This photograph was taken at the Plant Propagation Station, Mirabeau, Grenada in April 1961.

Take a look at the photograph

The photograph shows a crop scientist examining closely the nutmeg from a bush. The nutmeg is still in its shell and is a little similar in shape to a lemon.

Listen to the audio description

The photo shows a crop scientist examining closely the nutmeg from a bush. The nutmeg is still in its shell and is a little similar in shape to a lemon.

Click on the image to enlarge for more detail

A guide for helpers

To encourage further reflection on each photograph, we’ve provided additional suggestions for care workers or helpers to use with individuals or with groups.

Read our guide for helpers

What do you think?

    1. What do you think the crop scientist is doing in this picture? Is he checking to see whether the nutmeg is ready for harvesting? It still looks a little unripe to me. What else could he be checking for?
    2. The caption for this photograph refers to an agronomist employed by the British government to make nutmeg plants available for free distribution. Why do you think this was? (Remember this photograph dates to 1961 and Grenada became independent in 1974). Does this still happen today, do you think?
    3. In Grenada, people often pick fruit and spices including nutmeg from the trees in their gardens. Have you grown vegetables or fruit in your garden? Which crops did you grow? If you had ideal growing conditions, what would be your favourite crop?
    4. Is this the actual nutmeg we can see or is this the outer shell? Have you used nutmeg in your cooking? What for? (I grate some into rice puddings).
    5. Nutmeg is supposed to have many other properties. Can you find out about any of these?
    6. Listen to this interview with Mrs Weeks and her daughter (or read the transcript here). Does this change the way you view the image now?

    Listen to the audio description

Did you know?

Grenada and its neighbouring islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique are known as the Spice Islands? Can you think of other spices that might be grown there? Imagine how wonderful a walk in those islands might be.

Listen to the audio description