Nutmeg Botanical Name: Myristica fragrans, Family: Myristicaceae The nutmeg tree is an evergreen tree which belongs to the spice Islands (Moluccas). The seed of the nutmeg fruit and the lacy covering on it known as mace, both are used as spices. In the Middle Ages people believed that the nutmeg had magical powers and they carried it with them every where. The nutmeg fruit is yellow in colour and when the fruit splits in half, the seed inside has a bright red lace like covering. This is dried and sold as mace. The seed inside, which is oval shaped, is the numeg. Usually the hard shell is removed and only the seed is sold. They are available whole or in powder form. Whole nuts can be stored for a longer period whereas the powder loses its flavour quickly. It has certain medicinal properties like it helps digestion but an overdose can be poisonous, it is a treatment for diarrhea. It is a tropical, evergreen tree which grows tall. It has several branches and dense foliage. It has small yellow flowers. The seed and mace are separated and dried and stored for future use. Other Names - Hindi: Jaiphal. Bengali: Jaiphal. Gujarati: Jaiphal. Kannada: Jayikai. Kashmiri: Zaaphal. Malayalam: Jathikka. Marathi: Jaiphal. Oriya: Jaiphala. Punjabi: Jaiphal. Sanskrit: Jatiphala. Tamil: Jathikai. Telugu: Jajikai. Urdu: Jaiphal.
Mace Botanical Name: Myristica fragarans, Family: Myristicaceae Mace is the main spice part which is surrounding the fruit nutmeg. Dried mace is having a characteristic aroma. It is used as such or ground. The oil content in mace is 7 to 14%. Trimyristin, is the component in mace oil. The flavor is warm, aromative, sharp and slightly sweet. It adds the fragrance of the dish. It is used in cakes, pastries, custards, sauces, creamed soups, casseroles, chicken pies, tropical punches and chocolate drinks for enhancing the taste & flavor. Medicinally it is known to be good for rheumatism, a good carminative and good for stomach disorders. It is also used to scent soaps and perfumes. Other Names - French: Macis. German: Muskatlute. Italian: Mace, Macis. Spanish: Macia. Indian: Jaffatry, Javatri. Malayalam: Jathipathri.