Ehuru / Calabash nutmeg / or African nutmeg

Ehuru seed, also known as African nutmeg, calabash nutmeg, or aromatic nutmeg, comes from the Monodora myristica tree, which is native to West Africa. The tree produces large, woody fruits containing seeds, which are the actual spice used in cooking.

Characteristics:
- Appearance: The seeds are oval and dark brown, enclosed in a hard shell within the fruit. Once removed and dried, they are similar in size to traditional nutmeg seeds.
- Aroma and Flavor: Ehuru seeds have a distinctive warm, nutty, and slightly peppery flavor, with a strong aromatic quality similar to nutmeg or a mix of nutmeg and cloves.

Culinary Uses:
- Spice in Dishes: Ehuru is commonly ground into a powder and used to season a variety of West African dishes, such as soups, stews, and sauces. It’s especially popular in Nigerian cuisine for dishes like pepper soup, banga soup, and other regional specialties.
- Versatile Seasoning: The ground seed can be sprinkled into dishes or added during cooking to impart a rich, earthy flavor.

Medicinal Uses:
- In traditional African medicine, Ehuru seeds are sometimes used for their purported health benefits, including aiding digestion, relieving headaches, and treating other ailments. However, these uses are based on cultural practices rather than scientific validation.

 Preparation:
- Roasting and Grinding: Before use, the seeds are often roasted to enhance their flavor and then ground into a fine powder. This powder can be stored and used as needed in cooking.

Ehuru seed is a valued spice in many West African kitchens, appreciated for its unique flavor and its ability to enhance the taste of traditional dishes.