Skip to main content
Back to Show
PBS News Hour

How nutmeg became a Thanksgiving staple

Now a Thanksgiving staple, nutmeg used to be worth its weight in gold. The spice, originally grown only on the island of Banda Rhun, was so attractive to the Dutch East India Company that it traded its ownership of land that is now New York City for sole control of its trade. Why was our favorite eggnog garnish so valuable to 15th-century explorers? Special correspondent Mike Cerre has the answer.

Support Provided By
Season
April 9, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
April 9, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
April 8, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
April 8, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
April 7, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
56:32
April 7, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
April 6, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
April 6, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
April 3, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
April 3, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
April 2, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
April 2, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
April 1, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
April 1, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
March 31, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
March 31, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
March 30, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
March 30, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
March 27, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
March 27, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
March 26, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
March 26, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
March 25, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
March 25, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Active loading indicator