Whole Nutmeg

Grind fresh nutmeg, then add to baked goods like breads, pies, or pastries. For savory recipes, grate nutmeg for lamb, veal, and vegetables, or with stews or béchamel. Also works well with fruit dishes.

In 2016, Janet and I traveled to Grenada, the true “Spice Island.” We saw many spices growing there, but the one we came for was the island’s most celebrated: nutmeg. On my first morning run, I quite literally ran into my first nutmeg. Hanging at head height was a fruit that looked a bit like a peach, split open to reveal a brilliant red center. It wasn’t glowing, but in that moment, it sure felt like it was. That red layer was the mace, the aril that wraps the nutmeg kernel, making nutmeg one of the rare plants that gives us two distinct spices from one source. Later, we toured the Gouyave Processing Station, where we saw the tenacious, entirely hand-done work that keeps Grenada’s spice trade alive. Locals separated mace from nutmeg, cracked the shells to reveal the prized kernels inside, and painted the words “Product of Grenada” on burlap sacks bound for markets around the world. Every step was done with care and pride, and even the discarded shells found new life as mulch scattered beneath local trees in yards across the island. Grenada was a magical and humbling place for two spices merchants like us, and nutmeg will forever remind us of that experience. Using nutmeg at home: Grate a dash of fresh nutmeg into a simple béchamel or cream-based sauce for instant depth in flavor. It’s also a classic chef’s trick that works in mashed potatoes, making even simple comfort food feel elevated.

Nutmeg is native to the Banda Islands of Indonesia, and is the seed of a fruit produced by an evergreen tree. This tree is one of a few plants that produce two spices, nutmeg, and mace, which is the protective outer layer of the nutmeg. We carry the best and the biggest fresh nutmegs from the island of Grenada.

More Uses:

Spiced Snickerdoodles: Add about 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg to your favorite snickerdoodle recipe.

Spiced Quiche: Grate 3-4 times into egg mixture before baking.

Whole Nutmeg Q&A

How do you use whole nutmeg?

Whole nutmeg can be used in recipes for savory foods or sweet desserts. It's grated or ground before use, and pairs well with ginger and cinnamon as well as pepper and thyme.

How long does fresh whole nutmeg last?

Fresh whole nutmegs can keep indefinitely, if stored correctly.

How do you store fresh nutmeg?

To correctly store fresh nutmeg, keep it in a cool and dry place away from any potential moisture or heat.

How do you grate whole nutmeg?

To grate whole nutmeg, first peel away the outer shell of the nutmeg, then finely grate the seed of the nutmeg by using the same type of grater that you'd use to grate lemon zest.