Nutmeg (Myristica Fragrans)

This spice was first introduced into Jamaica in 1788 by a Dr Marter, who was awarded £1,000 by a grateful Assembly for introduction of the Nutmeg as well as Clove and Black Pepper plants. Such a high value was placed on these plants because at the time spices were literally worth their weight in gold. The Dutch had captured the Moluccas or Spice Islands, origin of the Nutmeg and other spices, in 1616, and used every possible means to protect their treasures. Quantities of crops were frequently destroyed to create shortages and maintain astronomical prices. Export of plant or seed of the Nutmeg or Clove was treasonable offence. Some of these spices were believed to have been aboard a French ship that was captured in Caribbean waters in 1872. The captured plants, which included the MANGO, were sent to Jamaica, thus introducing many useful varieties. But the spices were not found. It is believed that the French captain had them illegally and threw them overboard when captured.

The Nutmeg tree grows up to 8m or more in height and is found mainly on sheltered hillsides and wet areas at low and middle elevations. The plant is dioecious, i.e. there are separate ‘male’ and ‘female’ trees. The female tree bears the blossom that will produce fruit. When the fruit appears, it bears no resemblance to the Nutmeg in the market. It is ovoid and creamy yellow, about 5cm long. The nut is really the kernel of the fruit and will spend the next six months or so developing inside it. When ripe, the fruit will split in two, disclosing the nut, which comes surrounded by a scarlet lace-like covering called mace, which is easily removed. Mace is also used as a spice.

Aside from its culinary uses, Nutmeg is widely employed in folk MEDICINE, though it can be dangerous in large doses. A small amount of freshly grated Nutmeg applied to a bleeding cut will slow or stop bleeding. Grated Nutmeg used to be given to women to ease labour pains and at the baby’s birth it was applied to the navel. Nutmeg is also used as a CHARM, worn around the neck, or held in the mouth in court cases to counteract the oath taken. Nutmeg also used to be worn on a string around children’s neck to counteract eczema and other sores. Nutmeg is grown commercially in some CARIBBEAN islands, especially  Grenada and Jamaica.