Ground nutmeg for sweet and savoury dishes

Ground nutmeg is an old and worldwide known spice that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Nutmeg powder comes from the nutmeg tree, which grows in tropical, rainy coastal areas. Indonesia is considered to be the largest production centre in the world. The ground nutmeg that you can buy online at Natural Spices comes from Indonesia. You can buy the spice in a package of 500 grams or 1.2 kilos, 5 kilos or 25 kilos.

How to use ground nutmeg?

In the Netherlands, we know ground nutmeg, just like cinnamon, mainly as an herb in the biscuit spice mix. Because of its strong flavour, you only need a small amount. Apart from biscuits spices and cakes, we also use it in cooked vegetables. Think for example of green beans, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. The aroma of ground nutmeg evaporates quite quickly and for this reason you only add it at the end of the preparation and not during the cooking process.

Is ground nutmeg healthy?

Ground nutmeg contains a number of important minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium. It also has an antibacterial effect and is good for digestion. However, it is important to take into account the recommended maximum quantity of 5 grams per day. When using larger quantities, complaints such as nausea and hallucinations may occur. Pregnant women should pay extra attention to the use of this spice.

Where does ground nutmeg come from?

Ground nutmeg comes from the nutmeg tree. The nutmeg is oval in shape and no longer than two and a half centimetres. The nut is very hard. For this reason the nut is only used in the grated format. The powder is fine and has a golden brown colour. The nutmeg is actually the dried kernel of the fruit which looks a bit like an apricot. The aril shell that surrounds the nut is also used in the kitchen. We know this as mace. It is therefore not surprising that the two are often confused.

The difference in flavour between ground nutmeg and mace

Ground mace and nutmeg have a very similar flavour. The differences between the two are only small. Nutmeg tastes spicy and slightly sweeter than mace. Mace has a milder, but somewhat bitter taste. You could say that mace tastes a little fresher. Mace can best be described as a warm, aromatic taste with a spicy edge. In the kitchen you add ground mace at the beginning of the preparation process, in contrast to nutmeg. In this way it has time to be absorbed in the dish. By the way, mace also adds colour to your dish.