The stories surrounding nutmeg tell of its ability to enhance a man’s virility. Young men were told by monks in the sixteenth century to keep some nutmeg oil on hand so that they could put the oil on their genital area and it would serve to strengthen their masculinity. Men have been known to keep nutmeg under their armpits to attract a collection of admirers.
This interesting spice also has some health benefits as well. It has been used to keep away boils, broken bones and rheumatism. It was believed that the spice could keep the plague away during Elizabethan times and became a very highly valuable spice.
Nutmeg comes from a tree that grows in Moluccas in an area of Indonesia that is called the Spice Islands. The fruit that grows from the tree is the nutmeg seed. The fruit is small, about the size of an egg. The seed has inside a yellow fruit that when it is cut in half there is a red covering inside. This is sold as mace when it is dried. Underneath this is a nut, which is the actual nutmeg.
Spices have been shown to contain many health benefits and nutmeg falls into this category. It has been used to treat conditions such as gastroenteritis, dysentery, vomiting, indigestion and bloating. It has also been used in India’s Ayurvedic medicine to treat many digestive conditions, premature ejaculation and urinary incontinence. It can help with the treatment of arthritis, neuralgia, muscle pain, rheumatism and poor circulation.
Some have even said that the oils that come from the nutmeg can cause hallucinations. Don’t worry, though, this will not happen when you add it to your custard.
Nutmeg is best known as an addition to sweet recipes like puddings and pies. It can also be used on meat dishes for an extra added zip that will leave your guests wondering what your secret is. Vegetables are not immune to the benefits of the spice. In fact, nutmeg can be used on almost anything you cook.
It works especially well with cheese dishes and is often a part of a soufflé recipe. Put it in your soups for a little kick. Egg dishes respond very well to the addition of nutmeg. And of course, don’t forget the eggnog. The aroma of nutmeg is as delicious as its taste. Many people will come running to your table ready to try the dishes that you created with the addition of nutmeg. Feel free to experiment a little bit with the occasional dash of nutmeg in your favorite recipes. It will bring out a flavor that most people will know but might not be able to identify. It will be your little secret.
If you want to find some high quality nutmeg you should check out www.rawleigh-products.com for some of the best nutmeg. This company uses a special technique to preserve the natural flavorings of the spice and deliver to you a fantastic spice.
