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'
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As a leading global origin for nutmeg and its derivatives, Indonesia remains central to international nutmeg oil supply. Availability is relatively stable but not abundant, with output influenced by rainfall, tree productivity and the harvesting and collection practices of smallholder growers.
Demand from flavour, pharmaceutical, oral-care and fragrance applications remains consistent. Buyers continue to pay close attention to myristicin content, storage conditions, authenticity and potential adulteration. Standard grades are available, while premium traceable oils produced from carefully handled and properly dried raw material remain more limited. Market sentiment is stable to firm.
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