The nutmeg tree, Myristica fragrans, is a beautiful ornamental tropical tree. Its homeland is the islands of Indonesia. Ancient civilisations did not know it. The first mentions of its existence date back to the 6th century from a Byzantine physician. It was not until the 16th century that Portuguese explorers first saw nutmeg trees. In 1524, the Portuguese began trading it for a whole century.

The nutmeg tree actually provides two spices, the mace and the nut. The nutmeg is also dried in the sun or in drying kilns.

It is a very distinctive spice that we use in soups, sauces, stewed vegetables, and for preparing meat and meat broths.

It is of a warm nature and pungent taste, and it affects the large intestine. It relieves abdominal cramps and stops diarrhoea.