Myristica malabarica magnifica" and "M. malabarica" are endangered trees that are native to Western Ghats. The swamp lands and lowlands where they normally grow have been significantly drained for agricultural use. - http://www.biotik.org/india/species/m/myrimala/myrimala_en.html for more information Myristica malabarica Myristica malabarica is a species of plant in the Myristicaceae family. It is endemic to the Western Ghats in southwest India. It is threatened by habitat loss according to the IUCN Red List. It can reach up to 25 m long and its bark is greenish black, smooth and sometimes reddish. Names in local languages: Kattujathi (literally wild nutmeg), Kattujathikka, Kottappannu, Panampalka, Pathiripoovu, Ponnampannu,
Tempering (spices) Tempering (spices) Tempering is a cooking technique used in the cuisines of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, in which whole spices (and sometimes also other ingredients such as dried chillies, minced ginger root or sugar) are roasted briefly in oil or ghee to liberate essential oils from cells and thus enhance their flavours, before being poured, together with the oil, into a dish. Tempering is also practiced by dry roasting whole spices in a pan before grinding the spices. Tempering is typically done at the beginning of cooking, before adding the other ingredients for a curry or similar dish,