And Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a spice made from the seed of the nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans), native to Indonesia. The seed is dried, and the hard outer shell is removed to reveal the kernel, which is then ground into a powder or used whole.

Nutmeg is primarily used as a flavoring agent in a wide variety of foods, especially baked goods like cakes and cookies, as well as in savory dishes like lasagna and custards. It adds a warm, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor profile.

Nutmeg is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food flavoring. While used in small amounts in food, very large quantities can cause adverse effects. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated nutmeg, but no specific numeric limits are set for its use as a spice. Some traditional uses suggest medicinal properties, but scientific evidence for these is limited and not a basis for FDA approval.