Aril Collection

Nutmeg and mace tree, Myristica fragrans
5856564 Nutmeg and mace tree, Myristica fragrans; (add.info.: Nutmeg and mace tree, Myristica fragrans. Handcolored copperplate engraving of a botanical illustration by J. Schaly from G. T)

Pomegranate, Punica granatum, flower, leaf, ripe fruit and cross section of fruit
FLO4574224 Pomegranate, Punica granatum, flower, leaf, ripe fruit and cross section of fruit. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from Bertuch's " Bilderbuch fur Kinder"

Nutmeg and mace tree, Myristica moschata, Myristica fragrans
5856752 Nutmeg and mace tree, Myristica moschata, Myristica fragrans by Sowerby, James (1757-1822); (add.info.: Leaves and branches with nutmeg seed (kernel) and mace (aril)

Nutmeg and clove spice trees
Mace and nutmeg tree, Myristica fragrans, and clove spice tree, Syzygium aromaticum, 2. Handcoloured copperplate engraving after a botanical illustration by Christiane Henriette Dorothea Westermayr

Asia, Indonesia, Spice Islands, Maluku, Banda, Banda Besar island, a handful of freshly harvested mace - a spice made up of the husk or aril surrounding the nutmeg seed of the fragrant nutmeg

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) freshly cut fruit with seed and Mace (outer aril) attached, Fond Doux Plantation, St. Lucia, Windward Islands, Lesser Antilles, November

Myristica fragrans, Mace blades covering Nutmeg kernals, ground Mace on wooden spoon, close up

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) seeds with Mace (outer aril) attached, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago

Cocoa pods and nutmeg on a market stall. Cocoa pods (Theobroma cacao, upper left and right) contain the cocoa beans (seeds) from which chocolate is made

Euphorbia seeds, SEM
Euphorbia seeds. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of seeds from a Euphorbia flower (Euphorbia sp.). A seed contains an embryo (a fertilised ovule from which a new plant can grow)

Nutmeg fruits. The first fruit has split open, revealing its seed. The aril (red) surrounding the seed is removed and dried to make mace, while the seed is dried and then ground or grated before use

Nutmeg fruit split open, revealing its seed. The aril (red) surrounding the seed is removed and dried to make mace, while the seed is dried and then ground or grated before use

Yew berries (Taxus baccata) on the ground. These are the seed cones of the yew tree. The seed cone consists of a fleshy red berry-like sheath (aril) surrounding a single seed

Yew tree berries (Taxus baccata). Photographed in autumn

Yew tree in autumn, with ripe berries
ROG-12842 Yew tree in autumn, with ripe berries. Taxus baccata Bob Gibbons Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

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"Discover the Exotic World of Aril: Nutmeg and Mace Trees in Asia's Spice Islands" Indonesia, specifically the enchanting Spice Islands of Maluku, holds a secret treasure known as aril. Derived from the Nutmeg and Mace trees, scientifically named Myristica moschata and Myristica fragrans respectively, this delicate spice has captivated palates for centuries. Banda Besar island in Maluku is renowned for its abundant cultivation of these aromatic trees. As you wander through the lush plantations, your senses are overwhelmed by the intoxicating scent that hangs in the air. The region's fertile soil and tropical climate create an ideal environment for these precious spices to thrive. Nutmeg and clove spice trees also grace this land with their presence, adding to its rich tapestry of flavors, and is no wonder that Banda was once considered one of the most valuable trading posts during colonial times. At Fond Doux Plantation on St Lucia Island, witness firsthand how Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) fruits are harvested when they are at their peak ripeness. These freshly cut fruits reveal their inner beauty - seeds encased within a vibrant red outer aril called Mace. This unique combination adds depth to culinary creations around the world. In Trinidad and Tobago, another corner of paradise where nature thrives abundantly, Nutmeg seeds proudly display their attached Mace arils. Here too, locals have mastered harnessing these treasures to enhance traditional dishes with their distinct flavor profiles. Aril isn't limited solely to spices; it can be found in unexpected places like cocoa pods or even pomegranates. Nature never ceases to amaze us with its hidden surprises. If you ever stumble upon Euphorbia seeds under a scanning electron microscope (SEM), prepare yourself for an astonishing sight reminiscent of intricate arils adorning exotic fruits. Lastly but not least, the Yew tree berries also bear a resemblance to arils.