Nutmeg and mace are the results of the same fruit of the nutmeg tree: Myristica fragrans. While Mace is considered a native of Indonesia and some Caribbean islands, particularly Grenada, nutmeg is recognized as the national symbol of Grenada and it also appears on the country’s red, yellow, and green flag. ISO 6577:2002—Nutmeg, whole or broken, and mace, whole or in pieces (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) – Specification establishes specifications for the spices nutmeg and mace.
What Is the Difference Between Nutmeg and Mace?
Although nutmeg and mace are related spices that come from the same evergreen tropical tree, these sibling spices have some key differences.
- Uses: Nutmeg is typically used in baking, while mace is a common ingredient in European, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines in stews, sauces, and baked goods.
- Source: Nutmeg is oval-shaped pit of the fruit that grows on the nutmeg tree, while mace is the lacy bright red covering, webbing-like texture that surrounds the shell of the pit. The mace is removed and then ground into a powder that is bright red in color. The mace can then be kept for drying at which point it gradually changes its color to a golden brown.
- Flavor: Nutmeg has a warm, nutty, and slightly sweet taste, while mace is milder and sweeter, with a hint of citrus, cinnamon, black pepper, and pine. Mace is more delicate than nutmeg, which is why it is often used in pastries, cakes, doughnuts, fish dishes, soups, and casseroles.
- Availability: Nutmeg is a lot less costly than mace mainly due to the availability of the pits versus the arils of the fruit.
- Processing: To make mace, the aril is removed from the nutmeg, flattened, and dried for 10 to 14 days, changing its color from crimson to pale yellow, orange, or tan.
What Is ISO 6577?
ISO 6577:2002 specifies requirements for nutmeg, whole or broken, and for mace, whole or in pieces, obtained from the nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) for wholesale commercial purposes. Since nutmeg and mace are obtained from the same plant, ISO 6577:2002 provides specifications for these two spices.
The standard does not apply to Papua-type nutmeg and mace (Myristica argentea Warburg).
Spice Trade: Nutmeg and Mace
Until the 18th century, the only source of mace and nutmeg in the world was in present day Indonesia. When the Dutch captured and took control of this particular area, mace and nutmeg were considered among its most treasured prizes. The Dutch recognized that these spices did not grow elsewhere, and consequently they proceeded to control one of the world’s most high-value monopolies.
Eventually, Frenchman Pierre Poivre transported nutmeg seedlings to Mauritius where they flourished. As a result, this series of transplants aided in ending the Dutch monopoly of the spice. The British East India Company brought the nutmeg tree to Penang, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and most notably Grenada, where it is the national symbol.
Health Benefits of Nutmeg and Mace
Like many spices, nutmeg and may offers several health benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory: The essential oils of nutmeg and mace can help relieve symptoms in arthritis, rheumatism, lumbago, and other joint problems.
- Antioxidants: Nutmeg is packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body from cellular damage.
- Brain health: Nutmeg can stimulate the brain, which may help with stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and cognitive function.
- Improved sleep: Nutmeg can help ease insomnia by raising GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels in the brain, which can help people feel more at ease and less anxious.
- Blood circulation: Nutmeg and mace can help improve blood circulation, which can keep skin and hair healthy and help the body fight infections.
- Digestion: Nutmeg can help with digestion problems and abdominal pain.
- Anti-fungal: Nutmeg has anti-fungal properties and may also kill bacteria.
- Anti-depressant: Nutmeg has anti-depressant properties and can help improve one’s mood.
- Essential nutrients: Nutmeg contains a small amount of several essential nutrients, including fiber, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Mace contains fair amounts of Vitamin A, B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc, as well as Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
- Carminative: Nutmeg has carminative properties.
- Cold and flu relief: Mace may help relieve cold and flu symptoms.
ISO 6577:2002—Nutmeg, whole or broken, and mace, whole or in pieces (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) – Specification is available on the ANSI Webstore.