Spice
Myristica fragrans
S tier
Myristica fragrans is the true nutmeg tree of the Banda Islands lineage—seed (nutmeg) and aril (mace) from one fruit. Freshly grated nutmeg is sweet, warm, and woody; pre-ground is a pale shadow. Species matters versus other Myristica sold as lower-grade nutmeg. Whole nuts should feel dense and oil-rich when rasped. Essential in béchamel, spice cookies, and many Indonesian and European dishes.
Track this ingredient
Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
BakingBéchamelCurryEgg DishFresh Grate
Traits
AromaticGrate FreshSeed and MaceSweetSweet WarmTrue SpeciesWarmWoody
History
ID
Banda Islands Myristica fragrans drove colonial spice wars.
Plantings spread fragrans beyond Maluku under colonial control.
Botany fixed Myristica fragrans as commercial nutmeg.
Whole fragrans nuts remained chefs’ preference over powder.