Cooking With Nutmeg It can be used whole and grated directly into a recipe or measured or shaken from a canister of pre-ground nutmeg. To use whole nutmeg, you will need a microplane or nutmeg grater to shave off a small portion of the seed.
Which part of nutmeg is used?
Nutmeg is the seed or ground spice of several species of the genus Myristica. Myristica fragrans (fragrant nutmeg or true nutmeg) is a dark-leaved evergreen tree cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit: nutmeg, from its seed, and mace, from the seed covering.
Can I use whole nutmeg instead of ground?
It can be found whole or ground, but many people prefer the whole seed because it lasts longer and can be freshly grated for the best flavor. All you need to do is grate whole nutmeg with a fine grater (like a Microplane). Ground nutmeg loses its flavor quicker, so keep an eye on the expiration date.
Do you take the shell off nutmeg?
Begin by cracking open the nutmeg shell on a cutting board. You can do this by pressing down hard on the whole seed with a large knife or heavy pan. Peel away the shell and then finely grate the whole nutmeg seed at a forty-five-degree angle.
Is whole nutmeg better?
Unlike ground nutmeg, this variety, lasts indefinitely as long as its stored properly. What really distinguishes whole nutmeg from its ground counterpart is the potent flavor. Whole nutmeg is stronger tasting and has considerably more flavor.
What can I do with whole nutmeg?
Nutmeg has a long culinary history and can be part of both sweet and savory dishes. It can be used whole and grated directly into a recipe or measured or shaken from a canister of pre-ground nutmeg. To use whole nutmeg, you will need a microplane or nutmeg grater to shave off a small portion of the seed.
What is a whole nutmeg called?
Nutmeg – Whole
Nutmeg, or Myristica fragrans, is a large light brown seed roughly the size of a plum pit, that provides two different spices: nutmeg, and mace. Nutmeg is the interior seed of the whole nutmeg seed, and mace is gathered from the thin red membrane inside the nutmeg shell.
How much nutmeg is in a whole nutmeg?
2 teaspoons
1 whole nutmeg yields 2 teaspoons of grated nutmeg.
Does whole nutmeg expire?
Generally, you can assume that well stored whole nutmeg seeds will keep freshness for about 4 years, while ground nutmeg for about two years. That’s, of course, for the best quality. Provided that water won’t get to the spice, it should last well beyond that period, and in reasonably good shape.
Is grated nutmeg the same as ground nutmeg?
Scientifically known as myristica fragrans, these are the only trees to bear two distinct spices, nutmeg, the seed, and mace, a spice that comes from its dried shell. After our trip, I began making small batches of freshly ground nutmeg. Grated and ground nutmeg are the same thing.
How do you crack whole nutmeg?
Take your whole nutmeg and crack the shell open by smashing it. I find that pressing the nutmeg on a wood cutting board with the flat edge of a knife the best way to crack the shell. Peel away the shell completely from the nutmeg.
What does nutmeg do for a man?
Some animal studies show that nutmeg may enhance sex drive and performance. In one study, male rats that were given high doses of nutmeg extract (227 mg per pound or 500 mg per kg of body weight) experienced significant increases in sexual activity and sexual performance time compared to a control group ( 13 ).
What flavor does nutmeg give?
nutty flavor
A popular spice available in both ground and whole form, nutmeg is known for its warm, nutty flavor, making it the perfect addition to comforting sweet and savory dishes. Once ground, nutmeg spice takes on a warm and aromatic flavor with notes of clove.
What does nutmeg do to a sauce?
On the savory side, nutmeg brings a warm undertone to white sauces like the classic béchamel used in Mediterranean pasta casseroles. (Think spinach lasagna!) It’s savored in cuisines around the world, from Indian curries to Scandinavian cream sauces.
Can I freeze whole nutmeg?
Should not be stored in the freezer. Freezing does not extend the shelf life of regularly used dried spices. If stored in the freezer, and repeatedly removed for use, condensation will form in the container and accelerate loss of flavor and aroma.
How do you know if nutmeg has gone bad?
How can you tell if ground nutmeg is still good? To test whether ground nutmeg is still potent enough to be effective: Rub or crush a small amount in your hand, then taste and smell it – if the aroma is weak and the flavor is not obvious, the ground nutmeg should be replaced.
How much nutmeg can I take daily?
1 to 2mg a day
How much nutmeg is safe per day? While there are no specific guidelines on how much nutmeg you should have per day, its recommended that you should not exceed 1 to 2mg a day. Studies suggest that toxic reactions occur when taken at 5g and above.
How do you use nutmeg powder to sleep?
According to Ayurveda, you should add a pinch of nutmeg to a glass of warm milk and have it before sleeping. You can also add in some almonds and a pinch of cardamom for added benefits.
Why was nutmeg so valuable?
So, why was nutmeg so valuable? Well, Krondl likens it to the iPhone of the 1600s. It was fashionable among the wealthy. It was exotic and potent enough to induce hallucinations — or at least a nutmeg bender, as detailed in this account from The Atlantic.
What is the benefit of nutmeg for skin?
Nutmeg powder helps in balancing oily skin by tightening pores and exfoliating skin. Furthermore, nutmeg powder also helps to reduce inflammation and irritation of the skin, hydrates the skin from deep within, thereby providing a more even complexion and tone. Nutmeg powder suits well even those with sensitive skin.
Can I use nutmeg to boil meat?
Besides being an exotic spice, nutmeg is grouped under the category of aphrodisiacs, and in cooking, only small quantities – such as a little grating or a pinch of the ground powder – are used to make soups, meat gravies, beef stew, steaks, roulades, and even desserts.