Nutmeg
Myristica fragrans
Most
likely grown in the Sho homelands, and the less arid Gharu regions,
the nutmeg tree is a tropical, dioecious evergreen. The trees fruit
can be used in a variety of ways, firstly the spice Mace, consisting
of the dried aril, or lacy covering, of the nutmeg fruit, has a slightly
warm taste and a fragrance similar to that of processed nutmeg. The
kernel of the fruit itself is often used to produce the spice we know
as Nutmeg, therefore the entire fruit can be used as a flavouring.
Nutmeg
itself is often used in bedtime drinks, and to add a delicately warm
taste to desserts. It is a soporific, so aids sleep when taken in small
amounts, though larger amounts are dangerous as the soporific effect
is due to the fact that Nutmeg can be very poisonous in larger quantities.
Nevertheless, many find the taste pleasant, and if used in moderation
is quite safe.