Learn all about nutmeg, where is comes from, how it’s used in cooking, and why wars were once waged over the spice.
For something warm, try adding cinnamon sticks and nutmeg to apple cider simmering on the stove. You’ll get the added benefit of making your home smell amazing.
Clinton Kelly
Known as the Christmas spice, nutmeg is an aromatic, warm spice made from the seed of an evergreen tree known as Myristica fragrans. Native to the Spice Islands of Indonesia, nutmeg is widely used across the world, including in Caribbean, European, Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines.
Nutmeg is sold ground or as whole seeds, which can be freshy grated at home using a nutmeg grater or microplane. Freshly grated nutmeg has a stronger flavour and aroma than store-bought ground nutmeg, due to the oil released from the seed.
The spice mace, on the other hand, is made from the red, lace-like aril covering the nutmeg seed.
In the 1600s, wars were fought to control the spice islands and the production and distribution of nutmeg. The Dutch would even dip whole seeds into lime water to prevent the French and English from germinating their own nutmeg crops.
To keep control of the spice trade, the Dutch even traded Manhattan as part of the Treaty of Breda.
Learn all about Nutmeg:
Watch the video below to learn more about nutmeg, and for a handy list of ingredients to pair with the spice (time stamp 0:01:03).
Don’t forget to check out some quick ideas and a nutmeg recipe roundup below the video as well!
Did you know?
‘Nutmegged’ is said to be 1870s slang for someone who was foolishly tricked or deceived. The term came from the practice of slipping wooden replicas of nutmeg into a bag of whole seeds and selling them at a high price.
Quick Ideas Using nutmeg
We all know nutmeg is used in baked goods, but the spice is equally flavourful in cream and cheesy dishes too, like bechamel, alfredo and gratins. Nutmeg can also be used in stews and tagines, curries and stewed fruit. It’s used in preserved meats, jerk chicken and haggis.
Here are some quick ideas using nutmeg:
- Add it to coffee or hot chocolate. Or even to warm milk to drink just before bedtime
- Sprinkle it over warm oatmeal or porridge for a festive breakfast
- Make a quick compote of fruit, mix in some nutmeg, and serve it with ice cream
- If you don’t already, add some freshly grated nutmeg to your next fettuccini alfredo
- Nutmeg pairs well with both potatoes and sweet potatoes, try adding a dash of nutmeg to your next mash.
Nutmeg Recipes to Try
1/8
Your new favourite soup
2/8
Creamy pasta with all the toppings
3/8
A recipe you might not have tried before
4/8
An exotic side
5/8
Spiced milk for any time of day
6/8
Nutmeg + cinnamon = baked goods heaven
7/8
A classic dessert
8/8
A nutty spiced cake
What’s your favourite way of cooking with nutmeg? Let me know in the comments below!
