Jaiphal-Javitri, Nutmeg-Mace

Spice no. 7

Jaiphal-Javitri, Nutmeg-Mace these are the twin spices obtained from the same tree. The story of Nutmeg and Mace is fascinating. It was available wild only in Banda Islands for centuries. The fragrance of which first attracted seafaring traders. First Indian and then Arabs and finally the Europeans. The Dutch controlled it for a long time. When there is control then there is unnatural prevention methods of propagation but nature rebels and birds carried the seeds of the nutmeg to other islands. India was among the early cultivators. Since it came via Javanese traders it got the name Javitri for mace.

The Nutmeg that we know is the seed. The mace is that network like aril covering the seed. Good quality nutmeg when cracked is red and on drying the color fades to a light orange if its yellow it has lost most of its volatile oils. The nutmeg seed is similar to a bettlenut with light and dark network of veins. The darker veins are the ones laden with essential oil. Commonly nutmeg is used by grating the seed and using the powder to flavor meat and fish. Kolis don't use nutmeg in their masala but use mace. Yes we are smart as mace is milder and cheaper yet has the same properties. Mild usage is key in the case of nutmeg and mace as it is a heat producing or garam spice. Hence you will find it prefered to be spinkled over shrikhand. So it does not cause mucous in the body. The Europeans use it in their soups and sweets too. Excessive use of Nutmeg and mace has psychotropic effect. Maharashtriya people enjoy their milky coffee with a sprinkle of jaiphal. Wonder if it perks up or causes a daze.

Connecticut has the moniker of the nutmeg state since there was rampant creation of fake nutmeg from wood which became a popular term for fraudsters to be called the wooden nutmeg.

The semi hard pulpy fruit of the nutmeg is used to make jam however that is a recent development.

Grenada is another place where nutmeg and mace is grown on large scale and gets a place of pride on their flag.