The wrinkled exterior of a nutmeg seed hides a beautifully patterned interior. When grated, the distinctively flavoured seed releases a fragrant aroma.
What is it? The seed of the nutmeg fruit. The fruit is split open to reveal the seed surrounded by a lacy membrane - mace - which is also used as a spice (it has a similar flavour to nutmeg).
How is it available? The dry seed is sold either whole or ground into a powder. As with all spices, nutmeg, when ground, loses its flavour and fragrance quickly. It's much better to buy whole seeds and grind them immediately before using, with either a nutmeg grinder (which looks like a wide, squat pepper grinder) or a fine rasp grater.
What to look for? If you must buy ground nutmeg, smell it, if possible, before buying - if there's no fragrance, it won't have any flavour. When buying whole seeds, make sure they are hard and have
no exterior holes, which could indicate the presence of worms.
What else? A little nutmeg goes a long way; it should be used in small, subtle doses. Medicinally, it's said nutmeg relieves indigestion and insomnia; it's also believed to be an aphrodisiac. But in larger quantities (10 grams or more), users risk convulsions, palpitations, nausea and an acute psychiatric disorder called nutmeg psychosis.