History of spices 01 - Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a tropical evergreen tree from myristacaceae family. and the nutmeg spice is made out from its seed. (Two parts of the fruit as mace and nutmeg). Nutmeg and mace contain 7%-14 % of essential oil made out of principal components such as pinene, camphene and dipentene.
Nutmeg was originated in Banda islands, Indonesia. Discovered by Portuguese in 1512.The name nutmeg was derived from Latin name nus muscatus (meaning “musky nut”). In India nutmeg is known as jaiphal. Around 1600 it became an expensive commercial spice.
The effect of nutmeg seed on central nervous system was first observed in early 19th century. Introduced to Sri Lanka in early 19th century by British and currently 2788ha of nutmeg cultivation is present in Sri Lanka and 80% of them are in Kandy district involved by small and mid-scale farmers.
According to ethno-medical literature nutmeg seed was used for intestinal disorders by Indians, in embalming by Egyptians, and to cure plague by Italians.
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