WHAT IS NUTMEG? Nutmeg is a spice derived from the Myristica fragrans (fragrant nutmeg) tree, which comes from the Indonesian Banda Islands, also known as the Spice Islands. Nutmeg was among the earliest spices in trading history. As the spice trade developed along what we now call the Silk Road, nutmeg traveled from those small Indonesian Islands to become a coveted, spice, heavily used by cultures around the world.
HOW CAN YOU USE NUTMEG? In the United States, nutmeg is popularly used as a baking spice in cooler months. It’s used heavily in fall desserts, in pumpkin spice blends, and it’s what gives eggnog its distinct flavor. Nutmeg is widely used in savory cooking as well, especially in African diaspora cooking because of its history in African and Caribbean cuisine. Nutmeg is an essential part of spice blends like garam masala and quatre épices. Nutmeg is subtly layered into the mother sauce, bechamel, and can also be found in Jamaican jerk seasoning spice. Nutmeg is not just used as a culinary spice. In Ayurvedic medicinal practices, it was administered as an astringent, digestive aid, and to help with insomnia.
HOW TO GROW NUTMEG? To grow the nutmeg hickory tree, visit the link below.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/carya-myristiciformis/
RECIPE
ROASTED GARLIC MASHED SWEET POTATOES WITH NUTMEG AND THYME
Makes: 4 (1/2 cup) servings
140 calories per serving
142 mg of sodium per serving
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (2 medium sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 head garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt free seasoning of choice
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
DIRECTIONS
1. Bake or boil sweet potatoes to prepare them for mashing.
2. To prepare the garlic: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut off the top 1/4-inch of the garlic to expose the cloves. Place garlic on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with nutmeg. Wrap tightly in foil. Bake 45 minutes or until garlic is soft. Cool slightly before unwrapping. Squeeze out roasted garlic. Mash with a fork.
3. Stir 1-2 tablespoons of roasted garlic into hot prepared mashed sweet potatoes with butter. Add salt free seasoning and mix well. Top with fresh rosemary as fragrant garnish.
USE HERBS & SPICES AND LESS SALT FOR GREAT FLAVOR AND BETTER HEALTH!
Program adapted by: Shakera Williams, DHSc, MPH, Assistant Nutrition Agent, LSU AgCenter Northwest Region. Document created by: Jennifer Duhon, MS,RDN, LDN, Area Nutrition Agent, LSU AgCenter Central Region. The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.