Dried Nutmeg

   This spice tree is a large evergreen plant that thrives well in tropical climates. A fully-grown tree may reach about 50-60 feet in height and is the source of nutmeg and mace, two invaluable spices. The nutmeg fruit, indeed, is a drupe about the size of apricot which upon ripening splits up to reveal a single, centrally situated oval-shaped hard kernel popular as "nutmeg spice." This seed kernel is closely enwrapped by crimson-red, lacy, or thread-like arils known as "mace." Both spices feature a similar warm, sweet aromatic flavor. Nutmeg tree yields up to three times in a season. Once harvested from the tree, its outer coat or husk is removed and discarded. Just underneath the tough husk is the golden-brown color aril, known as "mace," which firmly envelops around the nutmeg kernel. Mace is gently peeled off from its kernel surface, flattened into strips, dried, and sold either as a whole (blades) or finely ground powder. Nutmeg kernel is then dried under the sun for several days to weeks. At larger commercial set-ups, this process is accomplished rather more rapidly over a hot drier machine until the whole nutmeg rattles inside the shell. Its shell is then cut-open and a single, shriveled nutmeg kernel is then taken out. Finally, nuts are dipped in lime water in order to prevent insect infestation and seed germination.

Internal Benefits of Jathikai (Nutmeg):-

1. Jathikai for sleep: Jathikai helps to induce sleep. People with sleep disorders prefer Jathikai to get a good night's sleep. Nutmeg helps to treat various sleep disorders. It has natural sedative properties and helps you to get sleep naturally without sleeping pills and other chemicals.

2. Jathikai for babies: Jathikai is good for babies. But please limit the quantity you give to babies with just a swipe. It induces sleep in babies. This is a very old home remedy. People give it as a part of Ura marundhu. People give vasambu, sukku, masikkai, kadukkai, and a few other ingredients also along with nutmeg.

3. Jathikai for Stomach problems: Nutmeg is good to treat stomach problems like indigestion, diarrhea, and flatulence. You can include nutmeg powder in your breakfast cereals or with warm milk.