Having originated in Indonesia, nutmeg was used in early civilizations for cooking and medicine. The ancient Romans believed that nutmeg had magical qualities. Arabian traders introduced it to Europe in the 6th century. The spice quickly became valuable in trade around the known world and literally was worth its weight in gold.
Nutmeg has a warm, nutty flavor that lends a special touch to recipes in the fall and winter in the northern hemisphere. In traditional French and Italian cuisine, nutmeg is a staple in creamy sauces and fillings like béchamel and ricotta. Around the fall and winter holidays nutmeg is an essential part of pumpkin dishes and gingerbread as well as eggnog and mulled cider.
Indonesia is still a top producer as is Grenada in the Caribbean. Nutmeg was first brought to the island from Indonesia in 1843 is very important in Grenadian culture, with families passing down knowledge and recipes through generations. Nutmeg is a rich source of minerals especially and phytonutrients.
Peak Time: Available year round
Average Price: $8.49 for a 0.8 ounce jar of whole nutmeg and $7.29 for 2.3 ounces of ground
Tips for Selection and Storage: The best way to check for heavy metals in your spices is to check out the brand. Organic spices and herbs are not necessarily tested for heavy metals. Some national brands that test are Simply Organic, 365 Whole Foods Market, McCormick, Burlap and Barrel, Morton and Basset San Francisco, Pennsy’s Spices and Spice Profile. As for all spices, store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark and dry space. Whole spices may be kept for as long as 3-4 years and ground about 2-3 years before replacing. It is always a good idea to give your spice the sniff test if you have not used it in a while.
Tips for Preparation: Nutmeg is usually thought of in sweet dishes but goes well with savory flavors as well. Whole nutmeg will give you a stronger taste than ground. You can grate whole nutmeg seeds in a specific nutmeg grater or with a microplane. A little goes a long way.
Nutritional Highlights: Nutmeg is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, along with trace amounts of vitamins A, C, and folate. The large array of phytonutrients in nutmeg is linked to numerous health-promoting effects, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, as well as immune-stimulating properties. In Ayurvedic and Iranian medicinal practices, nutmeg is still used as an astringent, digestive aid, and to help with insomnia. However, large amounts of nutmeg can have a toxic effect.
Click here for a recipe for Fall Macaroni and Cheese with Nutmeg.
