Nutmeg Myristica fragrans Fam: Myristicaceae The nutmeg tree is a large evergreen native to the Moluccas (the Spice Islands) and is now cultivated in the West Indies. It produces two spices — mace and nutmeg. Nutmeg is the seed kernel inside the fruit and mace is the lacy covering (aril) on the kernel. The Arabs were the exclusive importers of the spice to Europe up until 1512, when Vasco de Gama reached the Moloccas and claimed the islands for Portugal. To preserve their new monopoly, the Portuguese (and from 1602, the Dutch) restricted the trees to the islands of Banda and Amboina. The Dutch were especially cautious, since the part of the fruit used as a spice is also the seed, so that anyone with the spice could propagate it. To protect against this, the Dutch bathed the seeds in lime, which would prevent them from growing. This plan was thwarted however, by fruit pigeons who carried the fruit to other islands, before it was harvested, scattering the seeds. The Dutch sent out search and destroy crews to control the spread and when there was an abundant harvest, they even burned nutmeg to keep its supply under control. Despite these precautions, the French, led by Pierre Poivre (Peter Piper) smuggled nutmeg seeds and clove seedlings to start a plantation on the island of Mauritius, off the east coast of Africa, near Madagascar. In 1796 the British took over the Moloccas and spread the cultivation to other East Indian islands and then to the Caribbean. Nutmeg was so successful in Grenada it now calls itself the Nutmeg Island, designing its flag in the green, yellow and red colours of nutmeg and including a graphic image of nutmeg in one corner. Spice Description The nutmeg seed is encased in a mottled yellow, edible fruit, the approximate size and shape of a small peach. The fruit splits in half to reveal a net-like, bright red covering over the seed. This is the aril which is collected, dried and sold as mace. Under the aril is a dark shiny nut-like pit, and inside that is the oval shaped seed which is the nutmeg. Nutmegs are usually sold without the mace or hard shell. They are oval, about 25 mm (1 in) in length, lightly wrinkled and dark brown on the outside, lighter brown on the inside. Nutmeg is sold whole or ground, and is labeled as ‘East Indian’ or ‘West Indian’ indicating its source. Whole nutmeg may be coated with lime to protect against insects and fungus, though this practice is giving way to other forms of fumigation. Bouquet:sweet, aromatic and nutty Flavour : Nutty , warm and slightly sweet Hotness Scale: 1
Caterpillar fungus, known scientifically as Ophiocordyceps sinensis, is a unique parasitic fungus that infects caterpillars, particularly those of ghost moths, and is prized in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy due to its perceived health benefits, and itâ??s often called "Himalayan Viagra" because itâ??s believed to enhance vitality and stamina. Uses and Health Claims Caterpillar fungus is believed to: Enhance athletic performance and endurance Boost immune function Act as an aphrodisiac Improve lung and kidney function Reduce fatigue While itâ??s a staple in traditional medicine, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. However, it contains compounds like cordycepin and polysaccharides, which may have health-promoting properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Medicinal and Economic Value Traditional Uses: In traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine, caterpillar fungus is prized for its supposed benefits, including boosting energy, enhancing stamina, and supporting the immune system. Scientific Research: Although it has been studied for its potential health benefits, modern science is still exploring its true efficacy. Some studies suggest it may have adaptogenic and antioxidant properties. Market Value: Due to high demand and limited availability, it is one of the most expensive natural resources globally, sometimes worth more than its weight in gold. Overharvesting has led to a dramatic decline in its population, raising sustainability and conservation concerns.
Product Name: Dried Papaya Flower (Carica papaya) Form: Whole or shredded, dried Color: Yellowish to brown Size: 1-3 cm (whole buds) Moisture Content: 8%-12% Purity: Free from foreign matter, no pesticides Microbial Safety: Tested for bacteria and fungi (optional) Storage: Cool, dry, and sealed (shelf life: 12-24 months) Packaging: Food-grade pouches or bulk (1 kg, etc.) Uses: Medicinal (detox, digestion), or brewed as tea
Product Name: Panax Ginseng Extract Type: Plant Extracts Origin: China AUCO No.: 221 Packing: 25kg drum Items Standard Organoleptic Characteristics Appearance Yellow liquid Color Yellow Odours Characteristic smell Extract Solvent Water propanediol pH Range 4.0~7.5 Physical Characteristics Content 5% Refractive index 1.3300~1.3600 Relative density 0.950~1.150 Heavy Metals Mercury 1mg/kg Lead 10mg/kg Arsenic 2mg/kg Cadmium 5mg/kg Microbiological Tests Natural� microflora 100CFU/ml Mold and Yeast 10CFU/ml Staphylococcus aureus Negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa Negative Thermotoletant coliform bacteria Negative
Product Name: MagnoliaA Denudata Extract Type: Plant Extracts Origin: China AUCO No.: 223 Packing: 25kg drum Items Standard Organoleptic Characteristics Appearance Transparent or yellowish liquid Odours Characteristic smell Extract Solvent Water pH Range 4.0~7.5 Physical Characteristics Refractive index 1.3300~1.3600 Relative density 0.950~1.150 Heavy Metals Mercury 1mg/kg Lead 10mg/kg Arsenic 2mg/kg Cadmium 5mg/kg Microbiological Tests Natural� microflora 100CFU/ml Mold� and Yeast 10CFU/ml Staphylococcus aureus Non-detectable Pseudomonas aeruginosa Non-detectable Thermotoletant coliform bacteria Non-detectable
Product Name: Hamamelis Virginiana Extract Type: Plant Extracts Origin: China AUCO No.: 219 Packing: 25kg drum Items Standard Organoleptic Characteristics Appearance Clear to a slightly cloudy liquid Color Colorless Odours Characteristic smell pH Range 4.0~7.5 Physical Characteristics Content 5% Refractive index 1.3300~1.3600 Relative density 0.950~1.150 Heavy Metals Mercury 1mg/kg Lead 10mg/kg Arsenic 2mg/kg Cadmium 5mg/kg Microbiological Tests Natural� microflora 100CFU/ml Mold and Yeast 10CFU/ml Staphylococcus aureus Negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa Negative Thermotoletant coliform bacteria Negative
Product Name: Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract "Type: Plant Extracts Origin: China AUCO No.: 222 Packing: 25kg drum" Items Standard Organoleptic Characteristics Appearance Clear to a slightly cloudy liquid Odours Characteristic smell Extract Solvent Water, Propanediol pH Range 4.0~7.5 Physical Characteristics Content 5% Refractive index 1.3400~1.3700 Relative density 0.950~1.150 Heavy Metals Mercury 1mg/kg Lead 10mg/kg Arsenic 2mg/kg Cadmium 5mg/kg Microbiological Tests Natural microflora 100CFU/ml Mold and Yeast 10CFU/ml Staphylococcus aureus Negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa Negative Thermotoletant coliform bacteria Negative
Product Name: Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract "Type: Plant Extracts Origin: China AUCO No.: 222 Packing: 25kg drum" Items Standard Organoleptic Characteristics Appearance Clear to a slightly cloudy liquid Odours Characteristic smell Extract Solvent Water, Propanediol pH Range 4.0~7.5 Physical Characteristics Content 5% Refractive index 1.3400~1.3700 Relative density 0.950~1.150 Heavy Metals Mercury 1mg/kg Lead 10mg/kg Arsenic 2mg/kg Cadmium 5mg/kg Microbiological Tests Natural� microflora 100CFU/ml Mold and Yeast 10CFU/ml Staphylococcus aureus Negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa Negative Thermotoletant coliform bacteria Negative