Continuing............
Storing and using Nutmeg
Always choose whole nutmeg over ground Store the nutmeg in an airtight container in a dark place. Heat, moisture and light will speed up the deterioration of the volatile oils that give nutmeg its distinctive flavour. If properly stored nutmeg will keep good for about a year. Just before use break the shell and grate the seed using a simple grater.
Components of Nutmeg
As we all know, nutmeg is yet another culinary spice that we use in small quantities in our food mainly for its flavour. However, the humble looking brown seed has also been highly prized for its powerful medicinal value for hundreds of years.
Components in the nutmeg include dietary fibre, protein, starch and traces of minerals such as manganese, potassium and calcium. The essential oil that accounts for 5 to 15% of the nutmeg seed comprises of several components of interest that include camphene , sabinene, geraniol, borneol, elemicin and myristicin with the latter being the most studies individual compound found in nutmeg.
Uses of Nutmeg
Nutmeg goes well with both sweet and savoury dishes. It is widely used in fruit cakes, fruit desserts and fruit punch. It is good in stews and most egg and cheese dishes, white and cheese sauce and with potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, spinach, cabbage and cauliflower. A little bit of ground nutmeg on stewed fruits enhances bit flavours and visual appeal. Nutmeg is also a necessary ingredient in many other Christmas favourites such as mulled , cider, mulled wine and eggnog. Nutmeg also serves as a delicious topper to a hot cup of tea, milkshake, or even hot cocoa. You can even add a little nutmeg to a fruit smoothies for a warming effect or into a tomato soup for an unusual depth of flavour.
The nutmeg essential oil is used heavily in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries and also as a natural flavouring in the food industry to replacing ground nutmeg so as to leave no particles in the food.
Always only use nutmeg as a spice keeping amounts undefined control when the benefits will be apparent.
Health Benefits
Good brain stimulate
Nutmeg effectively stimulates the brain so it is good when you are fatigues or stressed. It also a good remedy for anxiety and depression. Nutmeg also helps you with concentration so that you will be more focused.
Relieves pain
Nutmeg is a staple in Chinese medicine and is used as an effective sedative. As such it relieves pain when you have painful joints, muscle, discomfort, arthritis and sores.
Boosts skin health
Nutmeg used as a paste in combination with water or honey boosts skin health, reduces inflammation and irritation of the skin and gives a smooth appearance by lessening signs and marks of boils and acne. A nutmeg and masoor dhal powder mix when regularly used is a good facial scrub for elimination of blackheads and cleaning blocked pores.
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Cheers and happy eating!!!!!
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