Herb Gardens

Above: Botanical illustration of nutmeg, first published in 1887 by Franz Eugen Köhler, in Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflanzen

Overview: Evergreen tree which has glossy, dark green leaves. The nutmeg tree actually produces two distinct spices. The fruit of the nutmeg tree looks a bit like a yellowish-green apricot.

Harvesting Methods: The actual fruit of the nutmeg tree is a bit sour and not used too often. It is the inside of this fruit, the seed, which yields the spices mace and nutmeg. The nutmeg is the interior nut of the fruit while mace is the lacy aril covering the outside of the nutmeg. Mace, which becomes a dull, rusty orange color when dried, is bright red and shiny when the fruit is first opened. The mace is removed from the outside and left to dry.

The nuts are left to dry for approximately 6 to 8 weeks. When thoroughly dried, the nutmeg can be heard rattling around inside the shell. The shells are cracked open, and discarded, releasing the nutmegs.

Common Name: Nutmeg and Mace

Latin Name: Myristica fragrans

Alternate Varieties:
M. argentea
M. fatua
M. malabarica

Zone: Hardy to USDA Zone 10.

Sun: Does best grown in a sunny location with high humidity.

Soil: Rich, sandy, moist soil.

Mature Size: Twenty to forty feet tall and up to twenty feet wide.

Propagating: Nutmeg trees can be started from seed. Or start new plants from hardwood cuttings taken at the end of summer. It can take up to 15 years to start bearing fruit. In order to set fruit, plant approximately one male tree for every ten female trees. Once a tree starts to bear fruit, it will continue to do so for 50 years or more.

Growing Tips: Unless you live in the tropics or subtropics, consider growing nutmeg as a large container plant. The container can be brought to a sheltered location, indoors, during the cooler months.

Culinary Uses: Pieces of whole mace, called blades, can be added directly to dishes. The pieces need to be removed before serving. Mace is also available as a ground powder. Mace is more expensive than nutmeg. Each fruit of the nutmeg tree yields approximately ten times more nutmeg than mace. Mace can be used to flavor cream sauces, soups, fish, cheese dishes, vegetables and desserts. Mace has a more delicate flavor than nutmeg.

Although nutmeg can be purchased already ground, a better flavor is obtained from the whole nutmeg. Purchase a few whole nutmegs along with a nutmeg grater. Grind the nutmeg, as needed, directly into your recipes. Nutmeg is used widely in both sweet and savory dishes. Nutmeg works well with spinach, squash, cauliflower, puddings, cakes, cookies and cream sauces. It is an essential flavoring to add to Swedish meatballs.

Aromatherapy Uses: The essential oil is sometimes used to scent perfumes, soaps and lotions.

Medicinal Uses: Nutmeg has hallucinogenic properties. In excessive quantity, nutmeg can become toxic. A little bit of this spice goes a long way. Nutmeg is also a carminative, meaning that it helps to expel excess gas from the intestines. Nutmeg has also been used to treat diarrhea, insomnia and toothache.

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