Nutmeg makes your taste buds tingle. Its trees grow in the tropical regions of Indonesia's Spice Islands(the Moluccas) and parts of the East and West Indies. The evergreen trees sprout seed pods, where we identify the seed pods as mace and the insides as nutmeg. We shave the outer seed pod into red shavings and use the mace as a spice. The seed inside the pod is nutmeg, which can be shaved into drinks and used in food. Once shaved or ground, the flavor gives off a warm feeling and a spicy taste with a hint of sweetness. If you've eaten a powdered or cake donut, nutmeg is the secret ingredient that makes it memorable like no other.
I have added nutmeg to dishes to add an umami flavor. Its aromatic quality brings out hidden flavors with just a dash and that nostalgic feeling of childhood returns.
When tasting nutmeg, some people experience a numbing or tingly effect on their tongues and inside their mouths. Don't worry! Remember to use it sparingly since some sensitive tasters develop allergies and a rash.
Chef, what can I do with nutmeg?
Shave it over vegetarian lasagna, bechamel sauce, or ravioli with sage and browned butter. Nutmeg ties dishes and baked goods together. Remember to use just a pinch - its all you need.
Come check out Press & Mortar's spice pantry, we got all kinds of fun stuff!