Nutmeg, How To Use It
By onegoodwoman
What Is Nutmeg?
The nutmeg tree is any of several species of trees in genus Myristica . We are back to the Myrtle ! The nutmeg provides with two common spices: nutmeg and mace. Thank you, evergreen tree.
Nutmeg is one of several spices, including cloves, coming to us from what is commonly called 'The Spice Islands'. Despite a troubled history, we can appreciate them for this.
The seed is what is gound for nutmeg, its covering gives us mace.
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This Had To Come Up, Somewhere
Ancient Viagra, anyone? The pun was totally unintended!
Nutmeg has been associated with the possession of magical powers. A sixteenth century monk is reported as having advised young men to carry vials of nutmeg oil. At the appropriate time, ( hey, use your own imagination), they were to anoint their genitals for .......uhmn...shall I say , ' personal business'? The ladies were advised to stuff some nutmeg under the left arm to attract suitors. It appears that ancient win-win, was the order of the day.
Perhaps, it is time to redefine 'sachet'.
Cooking With Nutmeg
Let's go beyond the holiday eggnog...
Cakes, cookies, puddings, spicy drinks.....chances are the ingredients call for some nutmeg. Cheeses, and cheese sauces benefit from its peppiness. Black beans, eggs, or tomatoes, can come to life from the perkiness of nutmeg. Some cooks add it to Italian dishes, though I have not done this. Nutmeg garners a great following in Mid-Eastern dishes.
Another professional cook shared this with me, " a shake of nutmeg makes everything else just POP"...... Just one shake from your container...no need to change the recipe, just enliven it.
However you choose to use it, this rule of thumb can be worthy of jotting down in your favourite recipe book......one grated nutmeg, equals 2-3 teaspoons of ground nutmeg.
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Is Nutmeg Valuable As A Healing Spice?
Small does of nutmeg can alleviate gas, aid digestion, stimulate the appetite and treat diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.
The oil of nutmeg is not to be played with. It can cause hallucinations, vomiting and in EXTREME cases, death. These cases result from an extreme concentration. Your are not going to 'overdose' your family by using too much nutmeg in the pudding.
This is not an essential oil to be experimented with by the beginning hobbyist......
Rest assured, nutmeg is safe for cooking, even for those, ( like myself) who have a heavy hand. The danger is in the oil of nutmeg, which most of us have probably not seen. Leave the oils, to those who know how to use them. This one is not for the beginner.
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Related Recipie
Eggnog, is not a drink that I enjoy, so , I have no favorite to recommend.
These recipes range from simple to interesting. Let me know if you tried any, and your assessment.
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An invitation to join us at HubPages. It is cost free, and offers the opportunity to earn. You also retain ownership of your articles.
It Is Up To The User.
I encourage you to look beyond this hub, and to investigate the value of nutmeg.
It is a spice in question.......do not leave your decisions to me. The Internet opens a surplus of doors to us......open them. Question and investigate.
I am here simply to expose..........
Smelling good may not be enough........
Comments
Nutmeg on Pasta?
Do tell..........
Of this thing, I
do not know.
Very cool! I did not know that much about nutmeg! Now I'm curious to try to fit into my cooking! Great, funny hub!
Onegoodwoman, I love the way I always learn something when I stop by your hubs. Nutmeg will never be the same again with that picture in my mind.
praireiprincess......
Thank you for coming by...
I have led you? What a privelage!
Karanda.....
You are among my greatest of
internet friends.
Anything you say is a compliment.
Indeed, your mere presence is............
I simply love your hubs on the spices, it has given me some insight on what to use in my cooking. Great job. God Bless my dear lady.
Interesting facts about nutmeg! I usually use nutmeg during special occasions when making homemade pumpkin pie. I use cinnamon a lot. I wonder if nutmeg in my coffee in lieu of ground cinnamon will taste just a good? I'll need to try it. Thanks onegoodwoman!
I can't remember using it much but I've always liked it added to egg nog and in spiced rum. Funny too how you don't like the nog, I used to love it but in recent years I've really lost my taste for it but I think it's more about the thick texture of it than the taste. Nice work (as always)! Peace!! Tom
Vietnamvet68,
Thanks.....it means a great deal
to me. I am glad you come by~
Craan,
Now, it is you, who has made
me curious!
Thanks for coming by, I do
like new readers.
Justom,
Try nutmeg on your sweet potatoes,
pumpkin and squashes.
I also add a bit to the dough when
making cobblers.
Peace~~
I love it on my apple sauce, and yes i still eat apple sauce like i was a kid. Its good. thanks for the tips.
Fullerman5000,
That's a good idea.
A little more pep than cinnamon~~~
Glad you came by!
Thanks for this. Now I know! Voted up!
Daydreamer13,
Long time, no see!
Thanks for the vote of confidence,
glad you liked the hub.
in winter u can use little nutmeg pwd in ur tea is good .nutmeg is good for cough and cold for children also.
Interesting read. I used to use it to cook in Powder form, but then stopped. It's interesting to know the benefits it has for men. lol. Very useful Hub.
Hello again Lady -E
Appreciate you coming by to read!
nutmeg is oil of pig and pig is a dirty animum because it eat's very really extremelly dirty thing. Pigs are fat, lazy, ugly etc. and it is for muslims because what else?
giselle2323 18 months ago
Thank you for this fun article OGW. I love a dash of nutmeg in pancakes. Also there is a pasta dish that I have made on occasion which calls for nutmeg. I am seriously becoming hungry.