Whole nutmeg should be hard and feel heavy for its size. It should have a rough surface, but without any tiny holes, which are a sign of insect damage. Whole nutmeg will keep in a cool, dark place for several months. Ground nutmeg loses its flavor quickly, so buy it in small quantities.
How do you pick good nutmeg?
Quality nutmeg has a warm brown closer to the reddish tint. It can contain a little dark inclusions – these are parts of the nut in which the essential oil has appeared. Quality nutmeg has a characteristic strong aroma. IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW!
How can you tell if nutmeg is fresh?
So if you want to check the quality of whole nutmeg, start by grating a bit. Now rub a small amount between your fingers, and taste and smell it. If the flavor or smell is weak or hardly noticeable, start a new package. Otherwise, it’s good enough to use and flavor your dishes.
Do you have to remove the shell of nutmeg?
You do not need to peel, cut or toast whole nutmeg seeds before preparing them. Grate the nutmeg with a microplaner, the smallest holes of a standard cheese grater or a specialized nutmeg grinder. For maximum potency, grate only as much nutmeg as you need to use immediately.
What part of the nutmeg do you use?
Nutmeg is a spice made from the seed of the nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrant), a native Indonesian evergreen tree that is the source of two popular spices: nutmeg and mace. Nutmeg is the inner seed, while mace is the red, lace-like substance that covers the seed.
Does nutmeg induce sleep?
Nutmeg has a calming effect when consumed in smaller doses. Various ancient medicinal practices credit it for its sleep inducing and de-stressing effects. According to Ayurveda, you should add a pinch of nutmeg to a glass of warm milk and have it before sleeping.
What can I do with whole nutmeg?
To cook with whole nutmeg, use a nutmeg grater, pepper mill, or microplane to grate off a small amount of the seed into your dish. Nutmeg also pairs well with creamy sauces and cheesy dishes, such as bechamel, alfredo sauce, and soufflés, which benefit from the spice’s subtle heat.
Should nutmeg be refrigerated?
Don’t refrigerate or freeze nutmeg:
Some might believe that storing nutmeg in the refrigerator might increase its shelf life. But, when it comes to nutmeg, the humidity inside of the refrigerator might further degrade its quality.
Is fresh nutmeg stronger than ground?
What really distinguishes whole nutmeg from its ground counterpart is the potent flavor. Whole nutmeg is stronger tasting and has considerably more flavor.
How much nutmeg is in a whole nutmeg?
2 teaspoons
1 whole nutmeg yields 2 teaspoons of grated 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 ).
Can you 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.
Is nutmeg good for your health?
Nutmeg is a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect against the signs of aging and serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and liver disease. Nutmeg oil is used in several dental products.
Do you crack nutmeg before grating?
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.
What is nutmeg Shell good for?
The outer shell, the seed and the mace are all known for its incredible medicinal properties. It is a store house of anti oxidants and is added in dishes and gravies to enhance its flavor and aroma. The nutmeg essence is extracted from the mace and the seed as well. The mace is used to make spicy pickles.
What does nutmeg do for a woman?
Even according to Ayurveda, this spice helps in calming the nervous system and improves blood circulation to the reproductive organs. This is the reason why it has been deemed as women’s viagra.
Does nutmeg lower blood pressure?
Nutmeg is packed with antioxidants and has a slew of anti-inflammatory properties, which have been shown to help reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
Does nutmeg help anxiety?
Nutmeg has traditionally been used as a spice in food preparation and as an herbal remedy in the treatment of many medical conditions, including anxiety.
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.
How do you grind nutmeg without a grinder?
Microplane. Chances are you already have a Microplane in your kitchen and use it for a number of tasks, from zesting lemons to mincing garlic. This can also finely grate nutmeg; just make sure that it’s scrupulously clean before using it for this spicy task.
Is nutmeg good for you in coffee?
A little nutmeg added to your coffee is a health benefit. Nutmeg is used to treat many health conditions. It’s anti-inflammatory properties help to relieve pain. Nutmeg has been used to treat digestive disorders from time immemorial.