Nutmeg is one of those unicorn spices that you can use in all kinds of savory and sweet dishes. It can be sprinkled on top of eggnog, spiked in mac and cheese, freshly grated into a pumpkin pie custard, or mixed into a chicken rub. Its versatility is endless, and back in the Middle Ages, it was even used as a powerful aphrodisiac. Nowadays, we can still get those effects from the warm and nutty notes it adds to any dish.
What is nutmeg?
Nutmeg is a spice that comes from the nutmeg tree, called the Myristica fragrans. The round, nut-looking thing you're used to seeing when you buy whole nutmeg is actually the seed from the tree's fruit. After it has been dried for six to eight weeks, it is ground into a powder or sold whole. During the drying time, the seed dries away from hard coating, rattling around inside when its ready to be removed. Despite the name, nutmeg is not a nut, but a seed. So fear not, those with tree nut allergies. You can have nutmeg.
What's the difference between nutmeg and mace?
Remember that hard seed coating I mentioned earlier? That's mace. So although they come from the same tree, they are different parts. You will almost always find mace in a powder form, while nutmeg is whole or ground. Flavor-wise, nutmeg is milder and sweeter, while mace leans on the spicy side, more like cinnamon and pepper.
What does nutmeg taste like?
A warm hug. (Seriously!) But it also has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. It's very aromatic, similar to cloves, and brings a comfort and warmth to any dish.
Should I use whole or ground?
Depends what works for you. Like most spices, the fresher it is, the more flavor it has. So, buying whole nutmeg means you get to freshly grate it yourself with a Microplane. In whole form, it'll also last longer and give a more vibrant and cleaner taste to your dish. But if grating your own nutmeg sounds like a pain (especially for baking recipes that might call for, say, a 1/2 teaspoon worth), buying it in powder form is totally okay. Just make sure to get a fresh bottle every six months or so.
