Jathikkai, known commonly as nutmeg, is the dried seed of the aromatic evergreen tree Myristica fragrans, native to Indonesia and cultivated in India. It is a highly valued spice with a warm, slightly sweet flavor, used in both savory dishes and desserts. It is used for its medicinal properties to improve digestion and induce sleep. 

• Description: A small, ovoid seed, typically 20.5–30 mm long, with a furrowed, brownish surface.
• Aroma & Taste: Pungent, fragrant, and slightly sweet.
• Culinary Uses: Widely used in cooking for its sweet and savory flavor in curries, soups, desserts, and bakery items.
• Medicinal Properties: Known as a traditional remedy for treating stomach issues, inducing sleep, and addressing joint pains.
• Precautions: It should be consumed in small, recommended amounts (0.5 – 1 gm twice a day) as high doses can cause adverse effects like hallucinations.
• Storage: The seeds are generally dried for 15-30 weeks until the kernel rattles inside the shell before being used.