Nutmeg Spice History

Nutmeg is a popular spice in kitchens across the globe. The nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans) is used to derive two types of spices; nutmeg and mace. The nutmeg is the inner part, that is the kernel, while the mace is derived from the inner covering of the seed.

The origin of this spice can be traced to the Banda islands of Indonesia, where they were called the fragrant or common nutmeg. Nutmeg trees grow up to a height of 25 feet, and have smooth barks that are brownish-gray in color. The seeds of the nutmeg tree are prized all over the world, for the flavor and aroma they impart to dishes.

The history of nutmeg dates back to the Roman ages, where it was thought that the Roman priests burned nutmeg as incense. However, this piece of history is widely disputed. In the first century A.D, the Roman writer Pliny speaks about trees that bear nuts with two different flavors. The streets of Rome were fumigated with nutmegs before the coronation of Emperor Henry, the VI.

Nutmeg during the middle ages was one of the most precious and expensive spices. In the 14^th century, half a kilogram of nutmegs, cost as much as a cow or three sheep. It is said the monks of Saint Theodore the Studite were allowed to sprinkle nutmeg in their pease puddings, just before eating it.

Nutmeg became a popular spice during the Elizabethan era as people believed it could ward off plague, however, pregnant women kept away from the spice due to fear of miscarriage. The Arabs traded nutmeg in the Indian Ocean trade route and they thought of it as a good cure for stomach ailments and bad breath.

In the Vedas, nutmeg is recommended for curing headaches, fever, and bad breath.

In the late 1400s, the Portuguese took control of the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, and were able to control the transportation of the nutmeg trade. As mentioned earlier, the nutmeg spice originated in the Banda islands of Indonesia.

When the Dutch fought a bloody battle and enslaved the people of Banda, the massacre of the people of Banda islands was just to be able to control the production of nutmeg in the East Indies. In London, nutmeg cost 85 to 90 shillings per pound in 1760. This price was kept unusually high by the Dutch by burning their nutmeg warehouses in Amsterdam.

Soon, the British too wanted to control the Dutch islands, for their nutmegs. Till the mid 1800s, the sole monopoly of this spice was in the hands of the Dutch.

The nutmeg seeds were smuggled to Mauritius by Frenchman Pierre Poivre, where nutmeg seeds flourished into trees. This ended the upper hand of the Dutch. The British East India Company took this tree to other regions like Penang, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and Grenada. Today, nutmeg is the national symbol of Grenada and it's emblazoned on the red, yellow, and green flag of the country.

It is used to add a nutty flavor to desserts like cheesecakes, pumpkin pies, puddings, etc. It is also used to add a pungent flavor to stewed fruits, meats, soups, and sauces. Other benefits include improving digestion, relieving nausea, etc. Nutmeg oil is added to aftershave creams for its distinctive spicy scent. This oil is also known to increase blood circulation to the brain, thus, increases concentration power. It is also helps stimulate the cardiovascular system and is an efficient liver and kidney detoxifier.

Today, nutmeg has become far more affordable and is used in kitchens across the globe. It's amazing how this spice was literally considered priceless at one point in history!