Nutmeg & Mace ( Jai Phal Jayitri)

The difference one can identify between the both is that the solitary flowers are the female flowers and flowers in clusters are male flowers. The pale yellow and spherical shape fruit has a longitudinal groove in the centre. When this fruit matures, it bursts open. It contains the bright attractive mace which covers the nutmeg which is a hard black, shiny shell of the seed.

USES

Both the spices are used as condiment especially in sweet eatable items. Food processing industry make use of this spice in ground form. It uses this powder as a standard seasoning in Dutch dishes. Nutmeg oleoresin finds usage in preparing confectioneries, baked foods, soups, meat products, sauces, meat & vegetable seasoning. The fruit's outer cover with adequate amount of flesh can be pickled or crystallized, or can be made into jellies. Mace is generally used in savory dishes. Eastern countries use it as a drug, attributable to its astringent, aphrodisiac, carminative and stimulant properties. If taken in excessive amount, it can have a narcotic effect. Nutmeg oil is used for making cosmetics and toiletries.