2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Macis, also called nutmeg, is an aromatic spice extracted from the fruits of the evergreen nutmeg tree Myristica fragrans. The popular spice nutmeg is also obtained from it.
The nutmeg tree grows in Southeast Asia and Australia. It originates from the Indonesian islands of Banda. It is also found in Sri Lanka, South India, Grenada, Malaysia and Fiji. Nutmeg is grown in areas where the sea level is at least 500 meters. It can grow up to 30 meters, but this happens less often. It is usually about ten meters high. The plant is bisexual. It begins to bloom after the age of 8. It bears the most fruit after reaching 20 years. Up to two thousand nutmegs can be obtained from one tree in one year.
The fruits of the nutmeg tree have a pear-shaped shape. They are between 6 and 9 centimeters long. They have a yellowish color and a smooth surface. After the fruit is peeled, the skin is used to obtain mace. The nutmeg is extracted from the stone in the fruit.
History of mace
As early as the sixth century, the Arabs skillfully traded in both nutmeg and mace. The two spices quickly became a favorite in Arabic cuisine and spread to Europe. In the sixteenth century, nutmeg and mace became even more popular as the Portuguese conquered the spice islands.
A century later, the Dutch intervened and, after capturing the archipelago, zealously guarded the muscat trees. According to one legend, however, the French managed to get seedlings of Myristica fragrans and began growing the tree on the island of Mauritius. By the nineteenth century, nutmeg was already grown in America.
Production of mace
As it turned out, the spice mace is produced from the fruits of the nutmeg tree, you grow in the tropics. At a sufficiently high temperature (not lower than 20 degrees) and heavy rainfall, the tree begins to bear fruit after its seventh year. Over time, it becomes more fruitful. Adults of the species bear fruit at least three times a year.
All steps in the production of mace are of great importance, as their performance depends on the quality of the spice and, accordingly, its price. After the fruits of the nutmeg are harvested, they must be peeled. It is this procedure that proves to be very important and must be performed with great precision, as the material must retain its integrity and in no case be damaged.
Such mace is found much less often and for this reason its price is higher. The resulting material is left in the sun, spread on special bamboo boards. Then proceed to the next step - pressing the shell with special wooden devices to give it the shape of a plate. Finally, the mace is dried and packaged. In dried form, the nutmeg color can be yellow or orange.
Composition of mace
The mace has a lot of valuable substances in its composition. It contains potassium, calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, selenium, copper, iron. It is a source of vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, vitamin C and vitamin PP.
Cooking with mace
The mace is among the highly valued spices in cooking. However, it differs from the spice nutmeg in smell and taste. Nutmeg has a lighter smell and tastes sweet and warm. With mace, the smell is significantly sharper and the taste stronger.
Famous chefs point to it as a valuable spice in exotic dishes. Nutmeg color can be used alone or in combination with nutmeg, as well as other spices such as cinnamon, ginger, paprika, coriander, turmeric, fenugreek, chili. From the mace are prepared a special oil with a pleasant aroma, which is used in various types of mustard and sauces. Some peoples sprinkle it on their drinks.
Used in the preparation of sausages, salads, pâtés. Mace best complements the aroma of lamb, pork, beef, beef and chicken dishes. However, there is no tendency to season fish dishes or mushroom dishes with it. Mace is most valued in the confectionery industry.
It is used to season various desserts and pastries. The Easter cakes and biscuits in which it is present are very fragrant and appetizing. However, when cooking with nutmeg, you should not overdo it. Use no more than 0.1 g of the spice to flavor one serving.
We offer you a recipe for bananas with maceto bring variety to the traditional home table.
Necessary products: 5 unripe bananas, 1 tablespoon rum, 100 g brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 mace peel, 1 pack butter, powdered sugar
Method of preparation: Heat the butter in a pan. Add the rum, mace and cinnamon. Cut the bananas into two pieces lengthwise. Then sprinkle very well with sugar. Place to fry on both sides in the hot mixture. Serve with powdered sugar.
Benefits of mace
The mace for many centuries it has been used not only as a spice but also as a remedy for various ailments. Folk healers recommend it for problems with the digestive system. There is evidence that nutmeg helps to deal with inflammation, swelling and cramps. The spice is also indicated as an aphrodisiac.
Harm from mace
Although nutmeg is useful and very fragrant, it should not be taken in large quantities. This could lead to stomach irritation and nausea.
