Seed spice

Ehuru

African nutmeg

A fragrant seed spice commonly described as African nutmeg and used in soups and spice blends.

Needs Review
Dark Monodora myristica seeds used as ehuru
Monodora myristica seeds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Field note

Ehuru is valued for a warm perfume that can become more pronounced after gentle toasting. Botanical and naming details should be checked against regional sources before publication as verified.

Research, not a remedy

Health research

Preclinical or nutritional evidence only
Topics researchers have exploredNutrition & food composition

Food-composition studies of Monodora myristica seeds report protein, amino acids and other nutrients, with processing changing the measured profile. Antioxidant findings are from laboratory assays, not clinical outcomes. These studies support nutritional interest but do not establish a therapeutic benefit from culinary portions.

  1. Research source 1 ↗
  2. Research source 2 ↗
Not medical advice. Evidence from extracts or supplements does not automatically apply to normal culinary portions. This ingredient is not presented as a treatment, cure or way to prevent disease. Do not change prescribed care; ask a doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions.

In the kitchen

Flavour

Warm, woody and lightly sweet

Aroma

Nutmeg-like and aromatic

Heat

None

Form used

Whole seed or ground

How to use

Toast gently if desired, remove the shell where appropriate, then grind the seed.

Buying & keeping

Storage

Store whole and dry for the best aroma.

Sources & review

This field note is awaiting its wider editorial source review. Health evidence, where present, is cited separately above.

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Related Nigerian ingredients

Fermented locust bean seasoning similar to iru

Fermented seasoning

Iru

Fermented locust beans that contribute a powerful savoury aroma and depth to many dishes.

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