Latin Name : Myristica fragrans

H.S. Codes :

Mace                                 : 0908.20.000

Nutmeg with shell           : 0908.10.100

Nutmeg without shell      : 0908.10.200

Belonging to the Myristicaceae family, both Mace and Nutmeg are part of the same tree. Nutmeg is the seed of the apricot-like yellowish fruit of the nutmeg tree. This seed is normally covered by a hard brown black shell.

On the outside of the shell is a thin leathery reddish tissue or arillus called Mace.

Both spices are strongly aromatic, resinous and warm in taste. Mace is generally said to have a finer aroma than nutmeg. Nutmeg quickly loses its fragrance when ground and is therefore normally grated from the whole nut just before usage.

Nutmeg contains about 10% essential oil, mostly comprising of terpene hydrocarbons and derivatives and phenylpropanoids. This is responsible for the hallucinogenic effect of large nutmeg doses.

Oil of Mace ( approx. 12%) contains the same aroma components but in different proportions.

Both Nutmeg and Mace are found in few locations worldwide. Main producing countries today are Indonesia ( East Indian Nutmeg ), Grenada ( West Indian Nutmeg ), P. New Guinea ( Papua Nutmeg ) and India / Sri Lanka ( Malabarica Nutmeg )