🌿Science Corner🌱 - Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a popular autumn spice made from the seeds of a tropical evergreen tree native to Indonesia.

It has a warm, slightly nutty flavor and is often used in desserts, curries and drinks such as mulled wine and chai tea.

Nutmeg is an excellent source of antioxidants, which are compounds that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Nutmeg contains plant pigments such as cyanidins, essential oils such as phenylpropanoids and terpenes, and phenolic compounds such as ferulic acid and caffeic acid. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties called monoterpenes, including sabinene, terpineol and pinene.

These compounds can help reduce inflammation in the body and benefit people with inflammatory diseases. Studies show that nutmeg has antibacterial effects against potentially harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Streptococcus mutans.

This popular autumn spice has many uses in the kitchen and can be used alone or in combination with other spices such as cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. It also works well in savory meat dishes like pork chops and lamb curry.