Muscat color (matsis)

Muscat color is a spice that is obtained from the plant Myristica fragrans (fragrant nutmeg). Another spice is extracted from the same plant - nutmeg. Another name for the nutmeg color is "macis".

Despite the name of the spice, which reminds us of flowers, it is not extracted from the flowers of the plant, but from the seedling (it is also called aryllus).

• It is a film from bright red to purple around the nutmeg seed and is a prismyannik. Often there is a grid of cuts on the aryllus, giving it a resemblance to petals, but there is also a continuous seedling. It is taken from the fruits of the evergreen nutmeg tree.
• The fruits of this plant are represented by dense spherical-ovoid berries of yellow-orange color. When ripe, the tough skin and flesh split in two, revealing shiny brown seeds and bright red aryllus.

Now fragrant nutmeg is represented by about 120 different species.

The homeland of the plant is the Moluccas, which are also called the Spice Islands for the large number of nutmeg and clove trees. Today, nutmeg is grown in Asia (Southeast and South), Africa (in the east of the mainland), on the island of Madagascar, and also in South America.

A quality nutmeg color is a fragile but hard plate that is slightly translucent. Its width is about two to three centimeters, length - up to 4 centimeters.The color of such a plate is even, dark yellow or light orange. There is a hole in the center of the mace, and along the edges it seems to be divided into lobes (10-15 parts). A good Muscat color has a strong structure.

They try to remove the matsis so as not to damage it (the walnut is squeezed out), because such raw materials are sold more expensive than broken ones. It is not uncommon to purchase a nutmeg color that has been ground into a powder. In general, the mace is about 3-4 cm long.

The raw materials are dried in the sun, laying out the mace on a coconut or bamboo mat. Already on the first day of drying, by the evening, the nutmeg color loses its brightness and elasticity. It becomes much paler and acquires a color significantly different from the original - from golden brown to orange.

The spice becomes softer and while it is pliable, the mace is flattened. It will be more convenient to pack and store nutmeg in a flat form, since the dried spice becomes very fragile.

They sell mace, as a rule, in ground form.

• Muscat color has a spicy-burning taste. Also, the spice has a pleasant aroma. They differ from the taste and aroma of nutmeg.
• The spice is considered an aphrodisiac.
• Macis is valued more and sold in smaller quantities than nutmeg seeds.

The ratio of nutrients: protein - 6%, carbohydrates - 26%, fat - 61%.

In 100 g - 475 kcal, 32.38 g of fat, 6.71 g of protein, 30.3 g of carbohydrates.

• B vitamins
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin PP
• Vitamin A

As well as micronutrients:

• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Iron
• Calcium
• Sodium
• Manganese
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Magnesium
• Ash
• Water
• unsaturated fats
• Alimentary fiber

Muscat color has a beneficial effect on:

• gastrointestinal system;
• improves appetite;
• relieves spasms and inflammation;
• increases libido.

Due to its rich nutritional value, the spice is nutritious and healthy.

Since the spice is poisonous if consumed in excess, it should be used in limited quantities.

Pregnant women should not eat dishes with this spice.

Essential oil, which is obtained from mace, is in demand in cosmetology, food industry and perfumery.

• Muscat color is used in cooking in both European and Asian countries. It is used in Indian, English, French and other cuisines.
• The spice goes on sale in the form of plates, as well as in the form of a yellow-orange powder.
• Light sauces and broths are seasoned with nutmeg.
• Macis is often used as an ingredient in curries and also in garam masala.
• The spice goes well with sausages, sausages and cheeses.
• It is also added to chicken and lamb dishes.
• Muscat color is in demand in the confectionery industry. It is often added to cookies and desserts.
• Spice is recommended to diversify the taste of cottage cheese casserole, milk pudding, cottage cheese cakes or cheesecakes.
• A pinch of nutmeg will enhance the taste of warm drinks.

The following medicinal properties are noted:

• improves digestion;
• helps with gastrointestinal diseases;
• enhances appetite;
• helps relieve pain, swelling, spasms and inflammation;
• has antiemetic action;
• helps with flatulence.

Muscat color is more often used externally, for example, by adding it to ointments against rheumatism. It is also included in some stomach and tonic medicines. In the East, the use of mace in small doses is considered cancer prevention. It is also prescribed for benign tumors.Our doctors practically do not use nutmeg because of the large number of side effects - the spice increases blood pressure and heart rate, causes shortness of breath and other symptoms.

The best variety of nutmeg in the world is considered Penang. Bandana is also called a very valuable variety of this spice.

The plant from which nutmeg is extracted is a tall tree (its average height is 18-20 meters), which has a dense crown and a pyramidal shape. Muscat trees can be up to 100 years old. Such woody plants grow in the tropics - in a warm, humid climate, the air temperature in which is above +20 degrees. The tree develops best in dry sandy or loamy soil. Trees begin to bear fruit from the sixth year of development. The harvest of fruits from nutmeg trees is collected up to 3 times a year. The fruits are harvested when they open. Muskatnik propagates by seeds.

Both the French and the British consider nutmeg a must-have seasoning. Also, this spice is used in countries that were previously colonies of England and France. In the 16th century, for a pound of nutmeg in London, they asked for 85-90 shillings.

The spice has always cost more than nutmeg. At the beginning of the 19th century, the price for it was 4 times higher than the cost of nutmeg, and by the end of the century, the difference between the prices for these two spices from one plant became 2 times. Now the price of nutmeg exceeds the price of nutmeg by only 30%, but mace is much less common on sale.

In India, mace is added to spice mixtures. The seasoning itself is used not only in cooking, but also as a material from which vegetable oil is obtained.This oil is in demand in the cosmetic and food industries.

Previously, vodka was flavored with the help of nutmeg.

During the Middle Ages, nutmeg was considered a healing agent for gastrointestinal ailments, therefore it was used during epidemics.