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{{Mergefrom|Legal drugs#Nutmeg|date=June 2007}}

{{otheruses}}

{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Nutmeg
| image = Koeh-097.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| image_caption = ''Myristica fragrans''
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Magnoliales]]
| familia = [[Myristicaceae]]
| genus = '''''Myristica'''''
| genus_authority = Gronov.
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision =
About 100 species, including:
*''[[Myristica argentea]]''
*''[[Myristica fragrans]]''
*''[[Myristica inutilis]]''
*''[[Myristica malabarica]]''
*''[[Myristica macrophylla]]''
*''[[Myristica otoba]]''
*''[[Myristica platysperma]]''
}}

The '''nutmegs''' '''''Myristica''''' are a [[genus]] of [[evergreen]] [[tree]]s indigenous to tropical southeast [[Asia]] and [[Australasia]]. They are important for two [[spice]]s derived from the [[fruit]], '''nutmeg''' and '''mace'''.

[[Image:Nutmeg Zanz41.JPG|left|thumb|250px|Mace within nutmeg fruit]]
Nutmeg is the actual [[seed]] of the tree, roughly egg-shaped and about 20–30 mm long and 15–18 mm wide, and weighing between 5 and 10 grams dried, while mace is the dried "lacy" reddish covering or [[arillus]] of the seed.

Several other commercial products are also produced from the trees, including [[essential oil]]s, extracted [[resin|oleoresins]], and nutmeg butter (see below).

The outer surface of the nutmeg bruises easily.

The pericarp (fruit/pod) is used in Grenada to make a jam called Morne Delice. In Indonesia, the fruit is sliced finely, cooked and crystallised to make a fragrant candy called ''manisan pala'' ("nutmeg sweets").

The most important species commercially is the Common or Fragrant Nutmeg ''Myristica fragrans'', native to the [[Banda Islands]] of [[Indonesia]]; it is also grown in the [[Caribbean]], especially in [[Grenada]]. Other species include Papuan Nutmeg ''M. argentea'' from [[New Guinea]], and Bombay Nutmeg ''M. malabarica'' from [[India]]; both are used as adulterants of ''M. fragrans'' products.

==Culinary uses==
[[Image:Nutmeg p1160003.jpg|thumb|Nutmeg]]
Nutmeg and mace have similar taste qualities, nutmeg having a slightly sweeter and mace a more delicate flavor. Mace is often preferred in light-coloured dishes for the bright orange, [[saffron]]-like colour it imparts. Nutmeg is a flavorsome addition to [[cheese]] [[sauce]]s and is best grated fresh (see [[nutmeg grater]]).

In [[Indian cuisine]], nutmeg powder is used almost exclusively in sweet dishes. It is known as ''Jaiphal'' in most parts of India. It may also be used in small quantities in [[garam masala]].

In [[Middle Eastern cuisine]], nutmeg powder is often used as a spice for savoury dishes. In [[Arabic]], nutmeg is called ''Jawz at-Tiyb''.

In [[European cuisine]], nutmeg and mace are used especially in [[potato]] dishes and in processed meat products; they are also used in soups, sauces and baked goods.

[[Japanese cuisine|Japanese]] varieties of [[curry powder]] include nutmeg as an ingredient.

Nutmeg is a traditional ingredient in [[mulled cider]], [[mulled wine]], and [[eggnog]].

==Essential oils==

[[Image:muscade.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Nutmeg seeds]]
The essential oil is obtained by the steam [[distillation]] of ground nutmeg and is used heavily in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industries.
The oil is colourless or light yellow and smells and tastes of nutmeg. It contains numerous components of interest to the [[oleochemical]] industry, and is used as a natural food flavouring in baked goods, syrups (e.g. [[Coca Cola]]{{Fact|date=May 2007}}), beverages, sweets etc. It replaces ground nutmeg as it leaves no particles in the food. The essential oil is also used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries for instance in [[tooth paste]] and as major ingredient in some [[cough syrup]]s. In traditional medicine nutmeg and [[nutmeg oil]] were used for illnesses related to the nervous and digestive systems. [[Myristicin]] and [[elemicin]] are believed to be the chemical constituents responsible for the subtle [[Psychedelics, dissociatives and deliriants|hallucinogenic]] properties of nutmeg oil. Other known chemical ingredients of the oil are [[pinene|α-pinene]], [[sabinene]], [[terpinene|γ-terpinene]] and [[safrole]].

Externally, the oil is used for [[rheumatic]] pain and, like [[clove]] oil, can be applied as an emergency treatment to dull [[toothache]]. Put 1–2 drops on a cotton swab, and apply to the gums around an aching tooth until dental treatment can be obtained. In [[France]], it is given in drop doses in honey for digestive upsets and used for bad breath. Use 3–5 drops on a sugar lump or in a teaspoon of honey for [[nausea]], [[gastroenteritis]], chronic [[diarrhea]], and [[indigestion]].

Alternatively a massage oil can be created by diluting 10 drops in 10 ml almond oil. This can be used for muscular pains associated with [[rheumatism]] or overexertion. It can also be combined with [[thyme]] or [[rosemary]] essential oils. To prepare for childbirth, massaging the abdomen daily in the three weeks before the baby is due with a mixture of 5 drops nutmeg oil and no more than 5 drops sage oil in 25 ml almond oil has been suggested.

==Nutmeg butter==
Nutmeg butter is obtained from the nut by [[ram press (food)|expression]]. It is semi solid and reddish brown in colour and tastes and smells of nutmeg. Approximately 75% (by weight) of nutmeg butter is [[trimyristin]] which can be turned into [[myristic acid]], a 14-carbon [[fatty acid]] which can be used as replacement for [[cocoa butter]], can be mixed with other fats like [[cottonseed oil]] or [[palm oil]], and has applications as an industrial [[lubricant]].

==History==
There is some evidence that [[Roman Empire|Roman]] [[priest]]s may have burned nutmeg as a form of [[incense]], although this is disputed. It is known to have been used as a prized and costly spice in [[medieval cuisine]]. [[Saint Theodore the Studite]] ( ca. [[758 in poetry|758]] – ca. [[826 in poetry|826]]), was famous for allowing his monks to sprinkle nutmeg on their [[pease pudding]] when required to eat it. In Elizabethan times it was believed that nutmeg could ward off the plague, so nutmeg was very popular. Nutmeg was traded by [[Arabs]] during the Middle Ages in the profitable [[Indian Ocean]] trade.

In the late [[15th century]], [[Portugal]] started trading in the Indian Ocean, including nutmeg, under the [[Treaty of Tordesillas]] with [[Spain]] and a separate treaty with the sultan of [[Ternate]]. But full control of this trade was not possible and they remained largely participants, rather than overlords since the authority Ternate held over the nutmeg-growing centre of the Banda Islands was quite limited, therefore the Portuguese failed to gain a foothold in the islands themselves.

The trade in nutmeg later became dominated by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] in the [[17th century]]. The British and Dutch engaged in prolonged struggles and intrigue to gain control of [[Run (island)|Run island]], then the only source of nutmegs. At the end of the [[Second Anglo-Dutch War]] the Dutch gained control of Run in exchange for the British controlling [[New Amsterdam]] (New York) in North America.

The Dutch managed to establish control over the [[Banda Islands]] after an extended military campaign that culminated in the massacre or expulsion of most of the islands' inhabitants in 1621. Thereafter, the Banda Islands were run as a series of plantation estates, with the Dutch mounting annual expeditions in local war-vessels to extirpate nutmeg trees planted elsewhere.

As a result of the Dutch interregnum during the Napoleonic Wars, the English took temporary control of the Banda Islands from the Dutch and transplanted nutmeg trees to their own colonial holdings elsewhere, notably [[Zanzibar]] and Grenada. Today, a stylised split-open nutmeg fruit is found on the national [[flag of Grenada]].

[[Connecticut]] gets its nickname ("the Nutmeg State", "[[Nutmegger]]") from the legend that some unscrupulous Connecticut traders would whittle "nutmeg" out of wood, creating a "wooden nutmeg" (a term which came to mean any fraud) [http://www.cslib.org/nicknamesCT.htm].

==World production==
World production of nutmeg is estimated to average between 10,000 and 12,000 [[tonne]]s per year with annual world demand estimated at 9,000 tonnes; production of mace is estimated at 1,500 to 2,000 tonnes. Indonesia and Grenada dominate production and exports of both products with a world market share of 75% and 20% respectively. Other producers include India, [[Malaysia]], Papua New Guinea, [[Sri Lanka]] and Caribbean islands such as [[Saint Vincent (island)|St. Vincent]]. The principal import markets are the [[European Community]], the [[United States]], [[Japan]] and India. [[Singapore]] and the Netherlands are major re-exporters.

At one time, nutmeg was one of the most valuable spices. It has been said that in England, several hundred years ago, a few nutmeg nuts could be sold for enough money to enable financial independence for life.

The first harvest of nutmeg trees takes place 7–9 years after planting and the trees reach their full potential after 20 years.

==Risks and toxicity==
In low doses, nutmeg produces no noticeable physiological or neurological response. Large doses of 30 g (~6 teaspoons) or more are dangerous, potentially inducing [[convulsions]], [[palpitations]], nausea, eventual [[dehydration]], and generalized body pain {{cite web|url=http://emj.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/22/3/223|title= BMJ}} In amounts of 5–20 g (~1-4 teaspoons) it is a mild to medium hallucinogen, producing visual distortions and a mild euphoria. It is a common misconception that nutmeg contains [[monoamine oxidase inhibitor]]s (MAOIs). While untrue, nutmeg taken in combination with MAOIs may elevate risks.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.erowid.org/plants/nutmeg/nutmeg_basics.shtml
|title=Erowid
}}</ref> A test was carried out on the substance that showed that, when ingested in large amounts, nutmeg takes on a similar chemical make-up to [[MDMA]] (ecstasy). However, use of nutmeg as a recreational drug is unpopular due to its unpleasant taste and its side effects, including dizziness, flushes, dry mouth, accelerated heartbeat, temporary constipation, difficulty in urination, nausea, and panic. A user will not experience a peak until approximately six hours after ingestion, and effects can linger for up to three days afterwards.

A risk in any large-quantity (over 25 g, ~5 teaspoons) ingestion of nutmeg is the onset of 'nutmeg poisoning', an acute [[psychiatric disorder]] marked by [[thought disorder]], a sense of impending death, and agitation. Some cases have resulted in hospitalization.

Fatal doses in children are significantly lower, with approximately 15g being sufficient to cause one of only two recorded nutmeg toxicity deaths, in an eight year old child.{{cite web|url=http://emj.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/22/3/223|title=BMJ}}

Nutmeg is an [[abortifacient]], and as such any significant doses should be avoided by pregnant women.{{cite web|url=http://emj.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/22/3/223|title=BMJ}}

==Nutmeg in literature==

Nutmeg appeared to fascinate the 16th-century Europeans, as reflected in this nursery rhyme:

{{quotation|I had a little nut tree, Nothing would it bear But a silver nutmeg, And a golden pear; The King of Spain's daughter Came to visit me, And all for the sake Of my little nut tree. Her dress was made of crimson, Jet black was her hair, She asked me for my nut tree And my golden pear. I said, "So fair a princess Never did I see, I'll give you all the fruit From my little nut tree.|[http://www.rhymes.org.uk/a35-i-had-a-little-nut-tree.htm]}}

This nursery rhyme is believed to refer to the 1506 visit of the Royal House of Spain to King Henry VII's English court. The 'King of Spain's daughter' refers to the daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. The princess is probably Katherine of Aragon who was betrothed to Prince Arthur, the heir to the English throne. He died, thus Katherine married King Henry VIII. Prince Arthur was reputed to have deformed genitals (his little nut tree would bear nothing) and the 'silver nutmeg' refers to England's spice trade with the East, while the 'golden pear' refers to trade with the West (the golden pear is the ancient Greek Symbol for the Hesperides or West). The Spanish were hoping to gain these by marriage of the Spanish Princess to the English prince, though they were aware there would be no children from the marriage. The last verse is therefore ironic.

Another version has a different ending:

{{quotation|I had a little nut tree, Nothing would it bear But a silver nutmeg And a golden pear. The King of Spain’s daughter Came to visit me, And all for the sake Of my little nut tree. I skipped over ocean, I danced over sea, And all the birds in the air Couldn’t catch me.|[http://www.landofnurseryrhymes.co.uk/htm_pages/I%20Had%20A%20Little%20Nut%20Tree.htm]}}

The last verse in this version is supposed to refer to Prince Arthur's death shortly after he married the Spanish princess.

The 'Benway' chapter of [[William Burroughs]]' [[Naked Lunch]] devotes a paragraph to Nutmeg use, quoting the [[British Journal of Addiction]] and stating among other things: "Result vaguely similar to marijuana with side effects of headache and nausea".

In a June 2007 issue of an underground, anti-Internet magazine called [[Magazine X]] (distributed at punk concerts in [[New York City]]) states that regular recreational users of nutmeg in New York City refer to themselves as "[[Nuthead]]s."

==See also==
*[[Run (island)]]: Seventeenth-century British-Dutch rivalry for a source of nutmegs, leading to the British exchanging this Indonesian island for Manhattan (New York)
* [[Giles Milton]]
* [[International Spicy Food Day]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
* Shulgin, A. T., Sargent, T. W., & Naranjo, C. (1967). Chemistry and psychopharmacology of nutmeg and of several related phenylisopropylamines. ''United States Public Health Service Publication'' 1645: 202–214.
*Gable, R. S. (2006). The toxicity of recreational drugs. ''American Scientist'' 94: 206–208.
*Devereux, P. (1996). ''Re-Visioning the Earth: A Guide to Opening the Healing Channels Between Mind and Nature''. New York: Fireside. pp. 261–262.
* Milton, Giles (1999), ''[[Nathaniel's Nutmeg: How One Man's Courage Changed the Course of History]]''
*[http://www.erowid.org/plants/nutmeg/nutmeg.shtml Erowid Nutmeg Information]
*[http://www.delagrenade.com/The_Nutmeg.htm Nutmeg Pericarp]
*[http://www.delagrenade.com/Introduction.htm Nutmeg Jam]

{{Herbs & spices}}

[[Category:Magnoliales]]
[[Category:Flora of Indonesia]]
[[Category:Spices]]
[[Category:Psychedelics, dissociatives and deliriants]]

Nutmeg - Revision history

MediaWiki default at 04:29, 14 September 2007