Nutmeg
Nutmeg is the spice made from the seed of the nutmeg tree, *Myristica fragrans*, an evergreen tropical tree in the family Myristicaceae.
Nutmeg is the spice made from the seed of the nutmeg tree, *Myristica fragrans*, an evergreen tropical tree in the family Myristicaceae. The same fruit also produces mace, which comes from the seed’s reddish aril. In Canadian cooking, nutmeg is commonly used in desserts, holiday dishes, and beverages, and the French term *muscade* is used in Canadian French.
Botany
Nutmeg comes from the fruit of *Myristica fragrans*, an evergreen tropical tree in the family Myristicaceae. The spice is the seed, while the seed covering produces mace.
Culinary use
Nutmeg is used as a fragrant spice in sauces, baked goods, desserts, and beverages. It is commonly described as warm, spicy, sweet, and nutty.
History and origin
Sources associate nutmeg with the Spice Islands, especially the Banda Islands in the Maluku Islands. Historical French usage connects the name *muscade* to earlier trade and terminology.
Chemical and toxic properties
Nutmeg contains aromatic compounds including myristicin, which is linked to its psychoactive effects at high doses. Medical sources note that excessive intake may cause symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, and perceptual disturbances.
Key facts
- Nutmeg is obtained from the seed of *Myristica fragrans*.
- The same fruit yields two spices: nutmeg from the seed and mace from the aril surrounding it.
- The French term *muscade* is a synonym for nutmeg.
- Nutmeg has a warm, aromatic flavour and is used in both sweet and savoury cooking.
- In larger amounts, nutmeg can have psychoactive and toxic effects because of compounds such as myristicin.
Nutmeg is commonly used in Canadian cooking and baking, especially in desserts, holiday dishes, and beverages. Canadian French also uses the term *muscade* for the spice.[11][10]
Frequently asked questions
What is muscade?
Is nutmeg a nut?
What is the difference between nutmeg and mace?
Where does nutmeg come from?
Can nutmeg be harmful?
References
- Épices Rœllinger — https://www.epices-roellinger.com/en/products/muscadeSupports: Nutmeg is the kernel of *Myristica fragrans*; the fruit also yields mace; French term muscade and etymology.
- Wiktionary — https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/muscadeSupports: Muscade as a synonym for nutmeg.
- Centre collégial de développement de matériel didactique — https://monde.ccdmd.qc.ca/ressource/?id=125840Supports: Nutmeg and mace come from the same plant; nutmeg is the seed; mace is the aril.
- Office québécois de la langue française — https://vitrinelinguistique.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/fiche-gdt/fiche/2095326/noix-de-muscadeSupports: Nutmeg is the seed of the nutmeg tree; mace is the aril; scientific name *Myristica fragrans*.
- Office québécois de la langue française — https://vitrinelinguistique.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/fiche-gdt/fiche/17064567/muscadeSupports: Muscade described as a tropical spice with psychoactive properties at high doses; chemical basis and effects.
- McCormick Science Institute — https://www.mccormickscienceinstitute.com/resources/culinary-spices/herbs-spices/nutmegSupports: Nutmeg as spice from *Myristica fragrans*; common culinary uses; name origin.
- Slofood Group — https://www.slofoodgroup.com/fr/blogs/recipes-stories/are-nutmeg-and-mace-the-sameSupports: Nutmeg and mace are different parts of the same fruit; flavor descriptions; tropical origin.
- Bio en ligne — https://www.bio-enligne.com/tisanes-et-%C3%A9pices/1654-muscade.htmlSupports: Scientific name, botanical family, and origin in the Moluccas/Banda Islands.