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Mace Whole And Powder

Biological Source : Myristica fragrans

Family :  Myristicaceae

Mace is the dried "lacy" reddish covering or aril of the seed. The first harvest of nutmeg trees takes place 7–9 years after planting and the trees reach full production after twenty years. Mace is the crimson or bright red coloured spice or condiment, present as the second membrane covering the seed of the nutmeg fruit or the nutmeg. Its taste is milder than that of nutmeg and is used in recipes which are delicately flavoured. It consists of essential oils, which give out its peculiar flavour and aroma. Mace should be added at the beginning of cooking in order to develop its full flavour.

Culinary Uses of Mace

1. Due to its delicate flavour, mace is widely used in light dishes like broth, soups, mashed potatoes and rice preparations.
2. It gives a light orange hue to the recipes and can be used in cooking sauces, curries, pickles and ketchup.
3. Due to its warm subtle flavour, similar to that of pepper and cinnamon, it can also be used in brewing tea or masala milk.
4. Mace is predominantly used in sweet dishes like pies, milk custards, puddings, fruit dishes, biscuits, muffins, cakes and breads.
5. Mace works especially well with milk dishes like custards and cream sauces. It contributes to flavoring light-colored cakes and pastries, especially donuts.
6. It can enhance clear and creamed soups and casseroles, chicken pies and sauces. Some beverages improve with a little mace, especially chocolate drinks and tropical punches.

Health Benefits of Mace

1. Mace aids digestion and also stimulates the appetite.
2. It also helps clear digestive tract infections.
3. Mace can relieve intestinal gas and flatulence.
4. It can reduce vomiting, nausea and general stomach uneasiness.
5. It can help relieve tiredness and fatigue.
6. When applied externally, mace can ease rheumatic pains and clear up eczema.
7. Mace arils contain more calcium, copper, iron and magnesium than nutmeg. 100 g of mace powder has 13.90 mg of iron when compared to just 3.04 mg of nutmeg. Manganese and copper are utilized by the human body as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is essential for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome oxidases enzymes.
8. Mace-oil contains eugenol, which has been used in dentistry for toothache relief.
9. Freshly prepared mace-decoction with honey has been employed to get relief from nausea, gastritis, and indigestion ailments.