Beyond the kitchen

Nutmeg And Mace uses

Nutmeg and Mace are two separate spices derived from the fruit of the tree Myristica fragrans of the family Myristicaceae. Myristica fragrans are, in fact, the only tree in the world that produces two separate spices. The fruit contains a hard pit, which is a nutmeg, while the lacy red membrane which surrounds it is called mace. Nutmeg, a perennial evergreen spice tree, is native to the Moluccas in East Indonesia. From ancient times, Nutmeg has been a highly prized spice for its numerous culinary and other applications.

Nutmeg, mace powder, and essential oil have many uses in the culinary, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and perfumery industries. Nutmeg cultivation in Sri Lanka is 2788ha of which 80% of the plantations are in the Kandy district owned by small and mid-scale farmers.