Fragrant rich nutmeg is one of the highly prized spices known since antiquity for its aromatic, aphrodisiac, and curative properties. Nutmegs are evergreen trees, native to the rainforest Indonesian Moluccas Island, also known as the Spice Islands.Botanically, the plant belongs to Myristicaceae family and known as Myristica fragrans. Several species grown all over the world other than Myristica species, such as M. Argentina, M. malabarica (Indian), and M. fatua, are rather similar to M. fragrances in appearance; however, they have less intense flavor and aroma.
The spice tree is a large evergreen plant that thrives well in tropical climates. A fully-grown tree reaches about 50-60 feet in height and is the source of nutmeg and mace, two valuable spices. The nutmeg fruit, in fact, is a drupe, about the size of an apricot, which when ripen splits up to reveal single centrally situated oval shaped hard kernel known as "nutmeg spice." The seed is closely enveloped by crimson-red colored lacy or thread like arils known as "mace." Both spices hav