Exotic and incredibly fragrant, nutmeg has a long, adventurous history. Once exclusively grown on the Spice Islands of Indonesia, nutmeg was considered to be more valuable than gold until the monopoly was broken by the French, who smuggled seedling trees to plant in Mauritius in the 18th century. This sweet, fragrant, and nutty spice is an appreciated staple today in the cuisines of India, Indonesia, the Middle East, and even Japan. Apart from its culinary use, nutmeg has been valued for centuries for its healing benefits. In the Elizabethan era, it was even thought to ward off the plague! With its significantly high antioxidant content and antimicrobial and antibacterial compounds, nutmeg has the incredible power to fight off harmful pathogens and free radicals. It boasts the unique ability to relieve and soothe the skin, reducing inflammation and the resulting fine lines, scars, and wrinkles. Natural healers use nutmeg to brighten the complexion, heal acne, and reduce facial discoloration and hyperpigmentation. Sourcing note:Dedicated to environmentally friendly agricultural practices, this ingredient has been added to our Ethical Global Sourcing Program. Our nutmeg powder gets shipped directly from a small organic farming cooperative in Sri Lanka to our studio in Los Angeles, ensuring freshness for our clients and enhancing the living standards of the small farmers and communities in the project areas. At present, the Association consists of 52 branch societies with more than 2,600 farmers. As a fundamental concept of organic agriculture, members practice mixed cropping systems and use a natural approach to pest control through companion-planting of shade trees, bug repellent plants, and medicinal herbs. Our vision is to support environmentally-friendly agriculture along with equally-treated and economically-empowered farmers and their communities. Featured in: The Clean Dirt and The Problem Solver
