Food Trivia The Spice Mace

[donna]

There had been question about the spice Mace. It was popular to use with baking, sauces, pickling and sauces during 19th century. Mace is the lacy covering around the shell within which the nutmeg seed grows. They are sometimes referred to as sisters. In Mace and Nutmeg we have the only case of two spices on the same fruit. Mace is a vivid red color on the tree but softens to a light orange-tan shade after it is dried.
It is said that centuries ago European merchants tried to obtain a world monopoly on Mace by cutting down nutmeg trees from all but one of the Molucca Islands. The large tropical birds thwarted the monopolistic action by carrying the whole nutmeg fruit back to the other islands, thus re-establishing competition in the nutmeg and Mace trade.
Ground mace provides an exotic flavor and golden color to pound cakes, cherry pie, fish sauces, and puddings. Mace is one of the stronger spices. Always start with a small amount and add more if desired.

From: "A handbook of Spices, Herbs, Seasonings and Flavorings By Durkee"

 

[DaveBrt]

There had been question about the spice Mace. It was popular to use with baking, sauces, pickling and sauces during 19th century. Mace is the lacy covering around the shell within which the nutmeg seed grows. They are sometimes referred to as sisters. In Mace and Nutmeg we have the only case of two spices on the same fruit. Mace is a vivid red color on the tree but softens to a light orange-tan shade after it is dried.
It is said that centuries ago European merchants tried to obtain a world monopoly on Mace by cutting down nutmeg trees from all but one of the Molucca Islands. The large tropical birds thwarted the monopolistic action by carrying the whole nutmeg fruit back to the other islands, thus re-establishing competition in the nutmeg and Mace trade.
Ground mace provides an exotic flavor and golden color to pond cakes, cherry pie, fish sauces, and puddings. Mace is one of the stronger spices. Always start with a small amount and add more if desired.

From: "A handbook of Spices, Herbs, Seasonings and Flavorings By Durkee"

In the 50's, my mother made mace bunt pound cakes. I loved them, my new wife said no thanks to making one, though she is a baker's grand daughter.

 

[donna]

Thought since mace mentioned bump this thread.