Spices V

 

Nutmeg

The name is defined as from the Latin: Nux Muscat...Musky nut.

Nutmeg, besides being a wonderfully flavorful spice, also has mild narcotic properties, even in the aroma it gives off; that musky smell, it is said, has knocked Birds of Paradise out of sky when they make the mistake of flying over the Spice Island in Indonesia where the plants are growing for cultivation.

This spice was not known to Europe until the 1500s and was added to other spices from the Spice Islands to eventually arrive by both Dutch and Portuguese ships to Ports in Europe.

Later, in the 1800s, the plant was successfully cultivated in what was then the West Indies (now known as the Caribbean Islands, and in fact the island of Grenada features the nut on their national flag).

Historical Note

Malcom X, the Civil Rights activist, wrote in his Autobiography about his prison years and his use of Nutmeg and it's narcotic effect, to help him kick his Drug habit. But the effect of that statement caused such an overuse of nutmeg in American Prisons that Nutmeg is no longer used in Prisons or sold in Prison commissaries.

Uses

The membrane that covers the nut is called Mace and is also a spice in its own right. Both Nutmeg and Mace are used as a rub on roasted meats, Lamb and Pork to be specific; also used in pies, cakes, some puddings, gravies, and soups; Milk recipes such as egg-nog and also as a garnish on fruit salads.
Steaming the Nut produces nutmeg oil that is used in making perfume; Since there are no particles in the oil it is also used for baking, syrups, soft drinks and some candies.

Oregano

A plant with red, purple or white flowers.
Similar in taste with thyme, but stronger and unique to itself.
The leaves are what make up the spice and are plucked from the bush as you need them. The leaves are then dried and chopped fine and can be frozen for later use, thus maintaining their freshness.

Uses

Oregano is a mainstay in Italian recipes - a pinch or two in tomato sauce along with other spices and then slow cooked will give the sauce a wonderfully zesty flavor.
Can also be used in soups, salads and for sure, in Turkey dressing.

Paprika

Definitions:
Paprika: A variety of plant of the Capsicum family.
Capsicum:
1) From the Latin...Capsa meaning Box or Case.
                                                                         Any plant from the Capsicum family
                                     2) Common pepper of which there are many varieties.
                                         Hungarian: Papar...pepper.
                    Pericarp: The walls of the paprika pepper. Example: In a lemon the   
                                    pericarp would be the peel, enclosing the pulp and seeds.

Sweet Paprika that is currently the most common is composed of the pericarp and some of the seeds which are removed, dried and fine ground.

Aside from seeing it sprinkled on everything from eggs to pies as a decorative garnish, It is the main ingredient in Hungarian Goulash and gives it that rich red sauce. It is also used in Sausage making, and of course in soups.

Also used to color foods such as sour cream and the aforementioned garnish on a baked potato.
Paprika gravy consists of Beef broth, sour cream and paprika, all heated but not brought to a boil.

Rosemary

Definition:
From the Latin Ros...Dew and Marinus...sea or Sea Dew.
It is an Herb from the Mint family that includes Basil, Sage, Oregano and Thyme and about a hundred plus, other varieties.
All of the species are aromatic such as Teak wood. Only a small percentage of the family of Mint are used in foods.
Uses
Flavoring in Dressing and also used in a rub for Pork, Chicken and Turkey.
It is also used as pest control in Decorative or food gardens.

As a Decorative item in the garden it stands out with beautiful deep blue flowers.