nutmeg tree
Quick Summary
The nutmeg tree, Myristica fragrans, is a tropical evergreen native to the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, of Indonesia. This tree yields two spices: nutmeg, which is the seed, and mace, which is the dried, lacy covering around the seed. Both spices have a warm, pungent fragrance and flavor, though mace is often described as having a slightly warmer taste.123
Nutmeg trees take eight years to produce fruit and can bear fruit for over 60 years. The fruit, resembling an apricot, splits open when ripe to reveal the seed (nutmeg) enveloped by the aril (mace). Mace is carefully removed and dried, while the nutmeg seed is dried for several weeks until the kernel rattles inside its shell. Indonesia and Grenada are the primary producers of these spices.431
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
maceof the nutmeg fruit of Myristica fragrans, a tropical evergreen tree. The seed of the tree takes the name nutmeg. Mace has a slightly warm taste and a fragrance similar to that of nutmeg. It is used to flavor baked goods, meat, fish, sauces, and vegetables; it is also used…
Read Moreof the nutmeg fruit of Myristica fragrans, a tropical evergreen tree. The seed of the tree takes the name nutmeg. Mace has a slightly warm taste and a fragrance similar to that of nutmeg. It is used to flavor baked goods, meat, fish, sauces, and vegetables; it is also used…
Read More
angiospermSeeds…from the red aril of Myristica fragrans; Myristicaceae). The aril of tomato seeds makes them slippery.
Read More…from the red aril of Myristica fragrans; Myristicaceae). The aril of tomato seeds makes them slippery.
Read More