Nutmeg

Spice

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is the seed of Myristica fragrans; mace is its lacy red aril—both warm, sweet-spicy seasonings from the same fruit. Grated whole nutmeg outperforms pre-ground for custards, béchamel, spice blends, and baked goods. Indonesian and Caribbean origins dominate trade. Use sparingly; the flavour is potent.

Also known as: Pala, Nutmeg, Jaiphal

Track this ingredient

Unit

Cuts & parts

Breeds & varieties

A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.

View all

Characteristics

Preparations

CrackedDriedFreshGroundPowderRoastedToastedWhole

Provenance

BiodynamicExport GradeFair TradeHand HarvestedNon-GMOOrganicPesticide FreeSingle OriginSun Dried

Sources

Indoor FarmedOutdoor FarmedWild

Traits

AromaticDelicateNuttyPungentSpicySweetWarmWoody

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 392

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 9.36 g
  • Saturated Fat 1.87 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 2.81 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 4.68 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Sodium 40 mg
  • Salt 0.1 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 65 g
  • Dietary Fibre 25 g
  • Total Sugars 3 g
  • Complex / starch 14.6 g
  • Protein 11.9 g
  • Water 8.89 g

Dried spices are concentrated plant tissue—fibre-heavy by weight, used in gram doses.

In the kitchen

Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Nutmeg.

Pairs well with

Classic and complementary matches

Usually avoid with

Often clash in flavour or tradition

History

ID

Nutmeg trees were endemic to the Banda Islands and traded across Asian maritime routes.

NL

Dutch control of the Bandas made nutmeg one of the most contested colonial spices.

Plantings outside Indonesia broke the monopoly and spread nutmeg globally.

Grenada and Indonesia became leading commercial nutmeg and mace exporters.

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