The earliest evidence of use of nutmeg comes in the form of 3,500 year old potsherd residues from the island of Pulau Ai, one of the Banda Islands in eastern Indonesia. The Banda Islands consist of eleven small volcanic islands, and are part of the larger Maluku Islands group. These islands were the only source of nutmeg and mace production until the mid-19th century.
In the 6th century AD, nutmeg spread to India, then further west to Constantinople. By the 13th century, Arab traders had pinpointed the origin of nutmeg to the Indonesian islands, but kept this location a secret from European traders.
From 1512 Portuguese enters in this island. Then nutmegs spread in Europe.
🔺 Traditional Uses :
Nutmeg is used as a traditional remedy for digestive disorders including indigestion in many part of India, especially Kerala. The fruit is eaten raw in small quantities to help with nausea and motion sickness. It is believed that the spice has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Spice :-
Nutmeg has similar sensory qualities, with light flavour. nutmeg is slightly sweeter.
Nutmeg is used for flavouring many dishes.
In Indian cuisine, nutmeg is used in many sweet, as well as savoury, dishes. In Kerala Malabar region, grated nutmeg is used in meat preparations and also sparingly added to desserts for the flavour. It may also be used in small quantities in garam masala. Ground nutmeg is also smoked in India.
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