Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a plant form of trees derived from the Banda Islands, Maluku. Due to the high value as a spice, fruit and nutmeg has become an important trade commodity since Roman times. Nutmegis mentioned in Pliny's encyclopedia "Old". Since the time of European exploration of nutmeg is widespread in other tropical areas such as Mauritius and the Caribbean (Island of Grenada). The term is also used toseed nutmeg nutmeg traded.
The plant was married two (dioecious) tree that is known male and female trees. The leaves are ellipticalslim. The fruit is oval shaped like a lemon, yellow, meaty and flavorful distinctive because it contains Essential Oils in the flesh. When ripe, the skin and flesh of the fruit open and the seeds will be seenwrapped in a red mace. The fruit produces a brown seed.
Nutmeg harvested seeds, coated seeds (arillus), and the flesh. In trade, nutmeg is called mace salute, or in English is called mace, in terms of pharmaceutical called myristicae arillus or macis). Meat nutmegmyristicae called Fructus cortex. The first harvest within 7 to 9 years after the tree is planted and reachmaximum production capacity after 25 years. The growth can reach 20m and can reach hundreds of yearsold.
Before the sale, seeds dried in the sun to dry after the split from fulinya. Drying takes six to eight weeks. The interior of the grain will shrink in this process and will be heard when the seeds shaken. Seed shell will be broken and sold as part of the nutmeg seed.
Nutmeg seeds contain 7-14% essential oils. Nutmeg powder is used as a flavoring for breads or cakes,puddings, sauces, vegetables, and Beverages (like eggnog). Oil is also used as a mixture of perfume orsoap.