Nutmeg seed is encased in a mottled yellow, edible fruit which is in the approximate size and shape of a small peach. The fruit depicts a net-like, bright red covering over the seed when splited in to half. The aril is collected, dried and sold as mace. Under the aril is a dark shiny nut-like pit, and inside it is an oval shaped seed which is called the nutmeg. Nutmegs are usually sold without the mace.

Until the mid-19th century, the small island group of the Banda Islands, which are also known under the name "Spice Islands," was the only location of the production of the spices nutmeg and mace in the world. The Banda Islands are situated in the eastern part of Indonesia, in the province of Maluku. They consist of eleven small volcanic islands, called Neira, Gunung Api, Banda Besar, Rhun, Ai, Hatta, Syahrir, Karaka, Manukan, Nailaka and Batu Kapal, with a total approximate land area of 8,150 hectares.

Nutmeg is a delicate, slightly sweet spice that is widely used in cuisines around the world. The tree is also highly valued because of the essential oils derived from the tree and leaves, and nutmeg butter is also a popular derivative food that packs a healthy punch. The essential oils from nutmeg steam extract are highly beneficial to health and are frequently used in alternative and herbal medicine.

Nutmeg seed is encased in a mottled yellow, edible fruit which is in the approximate size and shape of a small peach. The fruit depicts a net-like, bright red covering over the seed when splited in to half. The aril is collected, dried and sold as mace. Under the aril is a dark shiny nut-like pit, and inside it is an oval shaped seed which is called the nutmeg. Nutmegs are usually sold without the mace.

Until the mid-19th century, the small island group of the Banda Islands, which are also known under the name "Spice Islands," was the only location of the production of the spices nutmeg and mace in the world. The Banda Islands are situated in the eastern part of Indonesia, in the province of Maluku. They consist of eleven small volcanic islands, called Neira, Gunung Api, Banda Besar, Rhun, Ai, Hatta, Syahrir, Karaka, Manukan, Nailaka and Batu Kapal, with a total approximate land area of 8,150 hectares.

Nutmeg is a delicate, slightly sweet spice that is widely used in cuisines around the world. The tree is also highly valued because of the essential oils derived from the tree and leaves, and nutmeg butter is also a popular derivative food that packs a healthy punch. The essential oils from nutmeg steam extract are highly beneficial to health and are frequently used in alternative and herbal medicine.