The nutmeg tree, Myristica fragrans is indigenous to the Moluccas, Indonesia. The fruit contains a nut, which is covered by a hard shell. A red coloured webbing (known as mace) covers the shell. Once ripe the fruit will open revealing the mace and will fall to the ground to be collected or it can be picked just before falling. The mace will be carefully removed leaving the nutmeg (nut) available to be ground and processed.
The oil is extracted from the 'nut' by steam distillation after the grinding of the nutmeg.
The nutmeg is slightly sweeter than mace making the dry or ground spice a favourite in many culinary dishes. As an essential oil it is extensively used in perfumery and pharmaceuticals as well as a natural flavouring for baked goods, beverages, syrups and sweets.
Indonesia exports around 350-400MT of nutmeg oil each year which accounts for around 80% of the global production. Today the product is predominately plantation harvested.
Read more about the impact of recent plantations in our latest Elementary Report.
Read our latest report on Indonesia presented in October 2015 at the IFEAT conference in Sri Lanka, titled 'Indonesia - Current & Future Market Dynamics'
Nutmeg trees take about 25 years to fully mature, reaching heights of up to 20 meters. These trees begin bearing fruit after approximately 8 years and can continue producing for over 60 years. Nutmeg thrives in hot, humid climates, with optimal growth requiring at least 150 cm of annual rainfall. The trees perform best in well-drained soils rich in organic matter, with clay loam, sandy loam, and red laterite soils being particularly favourable.
However, recent weather patterns in Indonesia, a key nutmeg-producing region, have been less than ideal. Although moderate rainfall is typical between June and August, concerns regarding nutmeg quality remain unresolved, posing ongoing challenges for growers.
Nutmeg trees take about 25 years to fully mature, reaching heights of up to 20 meters. These trees begin bearing fruit after approximately 8 years and can continue producing for over 60 years. Nutmeg thrives in hot, humid climates, with optimal growth requiring at least 150 cm of annual rainfall. The trees perform best in well-drained soils rich in organic matter, with clay loam, sandy loam, and red laterite soils being particularly favourable.
However, recent weather patterns in Indonesia, a key nutmeg-producing region, have been less than ideal. Although moderate rainfall is typical between June and August, concerns regarding nutmeg quality remain unresolved, posing ongoing challenges for growers.
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