What Is Nutmeg Spice?

Nutmeg is the seed or ground spice of several species of the genus Myristica. Myristica fragrans (fragrant nutmeg or true nutmeg) is a dark-leaved evergreen tree cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit: nutmeg, from its seed, and mace, from the seed covering.

What does nutmeg spice taste like?

What does ground nutmeg taste like? Nutmeg has a fresh, rich aroma and a woody, bittersweet flavor with hints of clove. It is warm and aromatic with a deep flavor.

What is nutmeg spice used for?

Nutmeg is a key ingredient in many baked goods. Add to seasonal beverages such as eggnog, mulled cider, and mulled wine. Use it in fall dishes, such as ones that feature pumpkin or other winter squashes. Try cooking dishes from Southern and Southeastern Asia or visit a new restaurant that offers the cuisine.

What kind of seasoning is nutmeg?

Nutmeg is a warm spice with slightly nutty, sweet, woody flavors. It’s quite aromatic and can is generally best used in small amounts—usually no more than one teaspoon. If you use too much nutmeg, the dish, drink, or baked good may taste soapy or bitter.

Is nutmeg and cinnamon the same?

Cinnamon is from the bark of a tree, and nutmeg is a seed. Cinnamon is the “hot” flavor in a lot of candies, e.g. “Hot Tamales”, as well as being used in apple pie and cinnamon rolls. Nutmeg is more subtle, often used with other spices, sometimes including cinnamon. Beyond this, let your taste buds decide.

What dishes use nutmeg?

Slightly sweeter than mace, nutmeg is essential to bechamel sauce and also goes well with baked or stewed fruit, custards, eggnog, punches, curries, sauces (particularly onion-based and milk sauces), pasta, and vegetables (especially spinach).

What spice is closest to nutmeg?

Mace
1. Mace. Mace is the best option if you’re looking for a replacement for nutmeg, as both spices come from the Myristica fragrans tree. While nutmeg originates from the seeds of the plant, mace is the outer covering of the seed known as an aril ( 1 ).

Does nutmeg raise your blood pressure?

Lowers high blood pressure
Also, nutmeg spice is rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium which are the key nutrients to manage high blood pressure. In addition, the stress relieving properties of this spice helps in relaxing the blood vessels which in turn helps in the smooth functioning of the heart.

Does nutmeg cause constipation?

Adding a pinch of nutmeg to your curries, soups and beverages can improve your digestion. The presence of essential oils in nutmeg has a carminative effect on the digestive system, which helps in relieving the discomfort caused due to bloating, constipation etc.

What does nutmeg do for a woman?

Nutmeg not only acts as an anti-depressant, but also works as an aphrodisiac by stimulating the central nervous system and warming the pubic region. It imitates the effects of serotonin. The spicy taste of nutmeg causes arousal, and the alluring aroma relaxes the body.

Does nutmeg thin your blood?

Other spices similar to cinnamon may be risky to use if you’re taking a blood thinner. Cloves, ginger and nutmeg, for example, are all anti-coagulants, as they inhibit the platelet activity responsible for blood clotting, according to the California Pacific Medical Center.

What is the common name of nutmeg?

Myristica fragrans (nutmeg)

Which is healthier nutmeg or cinnamon?

Nutmeg is almost two times higher in calories than Cinnamon. Nutmeg provides 525 calories per 100g, and Cinnamon contains 247 calories per the same amount.

Which is stronger nutmeg or cinnamon?

Although both nutmeg and cinnamon are warm spices, you can realize cinnamon is warmer and sweeter than nutmeg and can make your dishes spicier if you add a significant amount.

Is nutmeg good in coffee?

It might seem strange that a spice often used to season meat can also taste good in coffee, but it’s true. Nutmeg is very versatile and blends nicely with the flavors in medium and dark roasted coffee despite having a powerful taste.

What meat is good with nutmeg?

Besides being an exotic spice, nutmeg is grouped under the category of aphrodisiacs, and in cooking, only small quantities – such as a little grating or a pinch of the ground powder – are used to make soups, meat gravies, beef stew, steaks, roulades, and even desserts.

What meat goes with nutmeg?

Nutmeg is also frequently used in savory meat-based dishes, where it subtly enhances and rounds out the flavor. You’ll see it in sausage mixes, lasagnas, and ragus. Nutmeg also pairs very well with winter squash and dark leafy greens.

What flavors go well with nutmeg?

The taste of both is warm and highly aromatic, but nutmeg has hints of clove and a deeper, bittersweet, woody flavor. Good with cabbage, carrots, cheese and cheese dishes, chicken, eggs, fish and seafood chowders, lamb, milk dishes, onion, potato, pumpkin pie, spinach, sweet potato and veal.

How important is nutmeg in a recipe?

Either way, nutmeg is an intense spice that should be used sparingly. It has a warm, nutty, and spicy flavor that packs a punch in both sweet and savory dishes. You’ll find nutmeg in desserts like pumpkin pie and gingerbread cookies, but it also adds flavor to creamy dishes like Alfredo sauce and green bean casserole.

What if I don’t have nutmeg for a recipe?

Ground cloves have a very intense sweet, spicy, and peppery flavor to them, which is perfect for nutmeg replacement in a savory or sweet dish. Just use half as many cloves for nutmeg, and skip this substitute if the recipe already calls for clove.

Is nutmeg good for your health?

Aside from its many culinary uses, nutmeg contains powerful anti-inflammatory plant compounds that act as antioxidants. These may improve mood, blood sugar control, and heart health, though more research is needed on these effects in humans.