Nutmeg (Oval, grayish-brown, rough, with net-like grooves, obvious longitudinal groove, longitudinal ridge of the seed connected to both ends, brownish-yellow marble pattern on the cross-section)

Nutmeg (Disorganized tissue)

Mace (Yuguohua, Xiaohua)(Flat split lobes, reddish-brown, connected at the lower end, slightly bowl-shaped)

【Naming】

Nutmeg

 【Source】

Song Kaibao Period

 【Common Usage Level】

C

 【Botanical Origin】

Dried seed kernel of Myristica fragrans Houtt. in the Myristicaceae family.

 【Characteristics】

Oval in shape, 2-3.5cm long and 1.5-2.5cm wide. The surface is grayish-brown to brown, rough, with net-like grooves. Some have obvious longitudinal grooves (seed ridge area). The wide end has a light-colored circular bulge (seed navel area), and the narrow end has a dark depression (chalazal end). Hard in texture. The longitudinal section shows a dark brown outer endosperm extending inward into the off-white inner endosperm, interwoven to form a marble-like texture. The aroma is fragrant and strong, and the taste is spicy and slightly bitter. After being baked, it becomes yellowish-brown. After breaking it open, there are brownish-yellow marbled patterns with a rich oily texture. The aroma is spicy and strong, and the taste is sweet.

 【Identification】

“The one with oily flesh color is the best” (Zheng Lei Ben Cao). “Tao Yinju said: The one with a pungent and strong taste is good” (Zheng Lei Ben Cao).
It is better to have large, heavy, solid particles with a smooth surface and no insect damage. Small and thin particles that are light and floating with a rough and wrinkled surface are inferior.

Appendix: Mace (Yuguohua, Xiaohua) “Zhong Yao Zhi” ○E
Testa Myristicae
Source: The aril of Nutmeg Myristica fragrans Houtt., a plant of the Ginger family.
Medicinal Material Characteristics: Flat split lobes, about 25mm long or more, about 1mm thick, light reddish-brown or orange-reddish-brown, semi-transparent, brittle, and when immersed in water, they return to their original shape on the seed. The upper part is irregularly split lobes, and the lower end is connected, slightly bowl-shaped. It has the characteristic fragrance of nutmeg, and the taste is fragrant and slightly bitter.

【Chapter】

Seed Category