Nutmeg is a medium-sized tropical tree that retains its foliage year around. It produces small, pale-yellow, bell-shaped flowers. Nutmeg fruit is yellowish-brown in colour. The seed inside the fruit is nutmeg, while the lacy covering is mace. Sri Lanka’s favourable terrain is responsible for producing high quality nutmeg. It is cultivated mostly in Matale, Kandy, and Kegalle. Nutmeg thrives in a warm, humid tropical climate with consistent rainfall.

It prefers well-drained, fertile loamy soils which is rich in organic matter. Partial shade is also beneficial for its growth. Nutmeg oil has a warm, spicy note and is obtained via steam distillation of dried nutmeg kernels. The oil has stimulating and pain-relieving qualities. It is used in aromatherapy and the preparation of certain medications. It is also popular in the formulations of perfumes and cosmetics. Harvest season is underway, and quality of the produce is good.

Volumes produced are comparable to last season.