Nutmeg and mace

Where does Nutmeg and mace grow?

Found in: Africa, Andamans, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bougainville, Brazil, Caribbean, Central America, China, Colombia, Cook Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Fiji, FSM, Grenada, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kiribati, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, Pohnpei, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, United States, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies

Notes: There are about 72 Myristica species. They grow in the tropics.

Status: It is a commonly cultivated and used spice.

Growing Nutmeg and mace

Cultivation: Trees are normally grown from seed. Seeds are slow growing. They can take 30 months to germinate. Plants can also be grown by cuttings and grafting. A spacing of 9 m apart is suitable. A ratio of a male tree to 10 female trees is used. Extra male trees are removed.

Edible Uses: The seed is used for the spice called nutmeg. This is used to flavour custards, sauces, cakes and pies. The red layer (aril) around the seed produces the spice called mace. It is used in soups, sauces, curries, fruit salads, cakes, pickles and baked goods. The outer shell of the fruit is sliced, cooked and crystallised to make a candy. It is also used for pickles. CAUTION The oil in the seed contains a poisonous drug called myristicin.

Production: Seeds take 3 months to germinate. Trees begin producing after 5-7 years. Trees can keep producing for 40 years. The mace is peeled away from the nutmeg and dried. When the nutmeg is dry it rattles.

Nutrition Info

Nutmeg and mace Photos

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