Tag: African nutmeg

African nutmeg, scientifically known as *Monodora myristica*, is not the same as true nutmeg, which comes from the tree *Myristica fragrans*. Despite sharing a common name, these two spices originate from entirely different botanical families and offer distinct flavor profiles for culinary use.

While commonly used in West African cuisine, overconsumption of African nutmeg (Monodora myristica or Ehuru) can lead to serious side effects, a risk often underestimated by consumers. Unlike common nutmeg, it has a distinct flavor profile but shares the same potential for toxicity if not used in moderation.

Botanically, calabash nutmeg comes from the *Monodora myristica* tree native to West Africa, while regular nutmeg is the seed of the *Myristica fragrans* tree from Indonesia. The main difference between calabash nutmeg and regular nutmeg lies in their distinct flavor profiles and botanical origins.