The mace blades are red when they are ready for harvest. However, they take on an orange or yellowish-brown hue after being removed from the nutmeg shell and dried in the sun. The nutmeg is surrounded by two mace blades or portions. Mace is an extremely light material because it is thin and lacy. Only 3 to 4 lbs. of mace are produced for 100 lbs. of nutmeg a tree produces. The amount of essential oils in nutmeg and mace, as assessed by steam volatile oil distillation, determines their quality. The flavour and aroma will be more potent the richer the oil. SPECIFICATION VALUE Mould and Insect Infestation 3 % Max Moisture Content 10 % Max Total Ash 2 % Max Acid Insoluble Ash 0.5 % Max Crude Fibre 8 % Max Volatile Oil ml/100g Min 15% Bulk Packaging Packaging Package Size Jute Bags/PP Bags 25kg/50kg Retail Packaging Papper Pouches 100g,250g,500g