Nutmeg is the seed of the edible fruit of a tropical tree (myristica fragrans). It is encased in a hard, shiny shell (which is discarded); the shell in turn is encased in a lacy, red aril (which when dried is the spice mace). Nutmeg is remarkably versatile, its warm, nutty, resinous flavour and fragrance is wonderful in creamy puddings, cakes and custards, but also in a diverse range of savoury dishes – curries, jerk marinade, root and green vegetables, Middle Eastern lamb dishes, cream and cheese sauces – even haggis. In large quantities, nutmeg is toxic and psychoactive.