Myristica fragrans is a slow-growing evergreen tree native to the
Maluku Islands of Indonesia, although it is now cultivated in other
temperate regions. The seed of this tree is known locally as pala and to
westerners as nutmeg.
In some places in the world, nutmeg is called muskatbaum. The word
“nutmeg” itself is adapted from the Latin nux muscat, which means “musky
nut.” It is said that the musky aroma produced by the tree setting seed
is so strong that alighting birds of paradise temporarily faint.
For most people, fortunately, freshly ground nutmeg wakes up the senses.
Try it on stewed fruit, oatmeal or tapioca pudding.
