Nutmeg, Freshly Grated Makes All the Difference
Half the Amount, Twice the Flavor
Freshly grated nutmeg is noticeably more potent than pre-ground, use about half the amount a recipe calls for when grating fresh.
A Founding Member of the Sweet Spice Quartet
Alongside cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, nutmeg rounds out the classic quartet behind holiday baking's most nostalgic flavors.
Long Shelf Life
Properly stored, whole nutmeg keeps for 3-4 years, a pantry staple that's ready whenever you need it.
The Seed Inside the Fruit
Nutmeg is the dried seed of the Myristica fragrans tree's fruit, encased in a lacy red aril that becomes the spice mace once removed and dried.
Technical Specifications
| Origin | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Myristica fragrans |
| Native Region | Moluccas ("Spice Islands"), Indonesia |
| Grade | ABCD, Whole Without Shell |
| Color/Appearance | Light Brown, Various Sizes |
| Moisture Content | 10-15% (Sun-Dried) |
| Broken Rate | Maximum 2-3% |
| Certifications | Kosher (EarthKosher), GMP |
| Additional Attributes | Non-GMO, Gluten Free, All-Natural |
| Flavor Profile | Slightly Sweet, Warm, Mildly Spicy, Full-Bodied Aroma |
| Substitution | Use About Half the Amount When Substituting Fresh-Grated for Pre-Ground |
| Historical Note | Referenced by the Roman Writer Pliny; Introduced to Sri Lanka in the Early 19th Century |
| Compositional Note | Contains Myristicin; Safe in Culinary Quantities |
| Uses | Baked Goods, Sweet Potatoes, Squash, Barbecue Rubs, Sauces, Béchamel, Creamed Spinach |
| Commercial Uses | Essential Oil (Steam-Distilled) Used in Toothpaste, Perfumery, Syrups, Food Flavorings |
| Pairing | Cinnamon, Cloves, Allspice, Mace, Vanilla |
| Storage | Cool, Dry Place, Away From Direct Sunlight and Moisture |
| Shelf Life | 36-48 Months |
| Packaging | Food-Grade Pouch or Bag; Box with Liner for Bulk Orders |
Buy Whole Nutmeg Online
Whole nutmeg seeds are the dried seeds of a nutmeg tree. Originating in the spice islands, and now grown in tropical countries, Myristica fragrans' growing region has spanned the globe from the Banda Islands to the West Indies. Our nutmeg from Sri Lanka is not only as beautiful as the evergreen tree it comes from, but it is also really something special in terms of fragrance and flavor. It's slightly sweet, warm, and mildly spicy, embracing a comforting flavor that lingers on the tongue.
As a member of what is known as 'the sweet spice quartet,' nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, it carries a fragrance-induced nostalgia for many.
Nutmeg and Mace, Which Is It?
A Spice That Traveled the Ancient World
Ways to Use Nutmeg
In its unsheathed form, the outer shell casing of the nutmeg seed is also what is known as the spice mace, or dried aril. Though don't worry, our whole nutmeg from Sri Lanka has been fully undressed. Freshly grated nutmeg spice can be a perfect addition to spice cakes, cream sauces, desserts, baked goods, savory dishes, or many wonderful treats.
Nutmeg's journey to your spice rack is a genuinely ancient one. The Roman writer Pliny referenced a tree bearing nuts with two distinct flavors, likely an early reference to nutmeg and mace coming from the same fruit. Centuries later, Arab merchants carried nutmeg to Constantinople as early as the 6th century, and by medieval times it had become one of Europe's most prized and costly spices, so valuable that Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI reportedly had the streets of Rome fumigated with nutmeg before his coronation. Nutmeg wasn't introduced to Sri Lanka itself until the early 19th century, arriving from its native Moluccas (the original Spice Islands) in Indonesia, where the island's climate and soil proved ideal for the tree.
A perfect complementary spice to many dishes. Many folks recognize it for its presence in holiday baked goods, but it is also frequently found in sweet potatoes and squashes, barbecue rubs, and sauces. In classical cooking, nutmeg is often found in creamed spinach and is a key ingredient in the mother sauce béchamel. Try freshly grated, ground, or just about any way you like it. As a general guide, if a recipe calls for pre-ground nutmeg, use about half the amount when substituting freshly grated instead, since fresh nutmeg is noticeably more potent.
Need a few ideas of how to use this product? Check out our blog, where you'll find plenty of tasty recipes.
*Like all of Slofoodgroup products, it is gluten free, non-GMO, and always all-natural and certified kosher.
Commercial uses: Essential oil is obtained through steam distillation and is commonly used in items such as toothpaste, food flavorings, syrups, perfumery, and other applications.
Facts About Nutmeg
Grade: ABCD, whole without shell, various sizes, light brown in color, sun-dried, 10-15% moisture content, maximum 2-3% broken rate, full-bodied aroma.
Origin: Sri Lanka, Myristica fragrans
Storage: Always store in a cool, dry place such as a cupboard or pantry, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
A note on myristicin: Consumed in large amounts, this spice is said to have psychoactive effects, since nutmeg contains myristicin, a naturally occurring compound found in many herbs and spices, though nutmeg is the most famous source. No need to worry, though, the small quantities used for cooking are perfectly safe and harmless.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Finely grate the whole nutmeg at a 45 degree angle by using a microplane grater.
- Whole Nutmeg is currently available for purchase at Slofoodgroup.
- Whole nutmeg can last up to three or four years if kept in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight.
- Mace, allspice, cinnamon spice, pumpkin spice, apple spice, and ginger are all great options to substitute nutmeg.