Description

Myristica fragrans is an evergreen tree native to the Moluccas of Indonesia. Now cultivated across the tropics, the tree’s fruit consists of a seed kernel (nutmeg) and an aril (mace). The vibrant crimson colored aril is lacy in appearance and is wrapped around the kernel. Ground mace has a slightly warming quality and unique taste, smelling similar to nutmeg. It is often used in baking and culinary applications. Mace powder can be macerated in liquid extracts or used to flavor beverages.

The nutmeg tree is a native of the Banda Islands, a cluster of small volcanic islands historically known as the Spice Islands and now part of the province of Molucca in Indonesia. Nutmeg isn't really a nut, but the kernel of an apricot-like fruit. The closely related mace is an arillus, a thin leathery tissue between the stone and the pulp. Mace and nutmeg have different tastes but similar uses in herbalism.