Nutmeg is a spice made from the fruit of Myristica fragrans . D to the digestive action, carminative and aphrodisiac, it is useful against vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. Let's find out better.
Description of the plant
Myristica fragrans is a tree native to Indonesia that grows in tropical climate regions.
The fruits of Myristica fragrans are marketed as spices: the seed is the nutmeg, while the meaty coating that covers it is the mace (a spice little used in our country by the aroma similar to nutmeg).
Properties and benefits of nutmeg
Nutmeg stimulates digestion, is carminative, antiseptic and attenuates certain disorders such as vomiting, nausea and is useful against diarrhea.
According to popular medicine, among the virtues of this spice there is also that of being considered a powerful aphrodisiac .
The oil extracted from nutmeg is effective, for external use, against neuralgic and rheumatic pains .
Particular attention should be paid to not abusing nutmeg. This nut, in fact, if consumed in high doses (we are talking about doses exceeding 5 grams) causes alterations of consciousness and hallucinations as well as dependence.
Calories and nutritional values of nutmeg
100 g of nutmeg contain 525 kcal, and:
- Proteins 5.84 g
- Carbohydrates 49.29 g
- Sugars 28.49 g
- Fats 36.31 g
- Dietary fiber 20.8 g
- Sodium 16 mg
You can learn more about the ingredients of aphrodisiac cuisine
Use in the kitchen
The flavor of nutmeg is refined, sweet and exotic with a slightly spicy note.
In the kitchen it is used as an ingredient in desserts, creams and puddings, but also in savory dishes such as mashed potatoes and boiled vegetables, which enriches with a spicy scent.
A sprinkling of nutmeg is perfect for flavoring cocktails and alcoholic beverages such as hot wine, punch and egg nog (English drink made from milk, liqueur and eggs).
In the Middle East nutmeg is widespread and enriches the flavor of meat, eggs and cheese.
In Europe it is widespread in German cuisine . In Italy this spice is added to the filling of tortellini and ravioli based on meat, cheese and spinach .
On the market nutmeg can be found already ground or in whole seeds (brown or white). To appreciate its aroma at its best, it is advisable to buy walnuts and grate them at the time of use .
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Curiosity about nutmeg
Since long spread in the Arab markets, nutmeg became established in Europe only in the sixteenth century, becoming so sought after and appreciated that it was soon a source of bitter hostility between the Western powers that tried to win the monopoly.
Its aromatic and spicy flavor literally fascinated the West: in some books it was argued that nutmeg was a powerful excitement to always carry on or in your pocket, it was mentioned among the aphrodisiac ingredients of the "pill of love" and for the its hallucinogenic effects in the twentieth century became the " astonishing of the poor ".
The nutmeg was so beloved that it had become a common custom to bring a walnut and a small grater to add the spice to wine or food if convivial situations suddenly appeared.
By Stefania Puma
