Mace is a spice that comes from the waxy red covering of the nutmeg seed. It has a mild and sweet flavor with hints of citrus, cinnamon, and pepper. Mace is widely used in various cuisines, including Indian, Asian, Caribbean, Moroccan, British, Dutch, and French cooking. It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, such as curries, stews, pastries, cakes, casseroles, and stews. Additionally, mace is known for its health benefits, as it is high in vitamins A and C, and contains minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. It is also an antioxidant and can help improve digestion, boost blood flow, protect the kidneys, alleviate cold and flu symptoms, and combat stress.
Its important to note that mace as a spice is unrelated to the self-defense spray also called "mace." The self-defense spray was originally developed in the 1960s and is a brand name for an early type of aerosol self-defense spray. The original formulation consisted of 1% chloroacetophenone (CN) in a solvent of 2-butanol, propylene glycol, cyclohexene, and dipropylene glycol methyl ether. However, the term "mace" is now commonly used to refer to other defense sprays regardless of their composition, and to being pepper sprayed. Its essential to distinguish between the spice mace and the self-defense spray when discussing their uses and effects).
