🌿 spicesEasy to use
Nutmeg
Banda Islands, Indonesia (Spice Islands)Available year-roundWarm, sweet, slightly bitter
Did You Know?
Nutmeg contains myristicin, a psychoactive compound — consuming very large amounts (2+ whole nutmegs) causes hallucinations and serious side effects. Normal culinary quantities are completely safe.
Overview
Banda Islands · Available year-round · spices
Nutmeg is the dried seed kernel of Myristica fragrans, with warm, sweet, aromatic, and slightly bitter flavor. The spice comes from the same fruit that also produces mace (the red aril covering the seed).
Banda Islands
Origin
Available year-round
Season
Easy
Difficulty
spices
Category
Flavor Profile
Warmsweetslightly bitteraromaticcomplex with earthy undertones
Storage Tips
Whole nutmeg lasts 3–4 years. Grate as needed. Ground nutmeg loses flavor within 6 months.
Photo Gallery
How to Cook with Nutmeg
Recipes, pairings, substitutes, and professional tips
Cooking Tips
Grate fresh directly into food — pre-ground loses flavor quickly. Add to béchamel, spinach, pumpkin dishes, mulled wine, and eggnok. Use sparingly.
Best Pairings
creamspinachpotatopumpkinbéchamelcinnamoncloves
Substitutes
Mace, allspice, cinnamon
Nutrition & Health Benefits
The nutritional profile and health properties of Nutmeg
Nutrition Highlights
fat
36.3
carbs
49.3
fiber
20.8
copper
180% DV
protein
5.8
calories
525
manganese
175% DV
Quick Facts
Categoryspices
OriginBanda Islands, Indonesia (Spice Islands)
SeasonAvailable year-round
DifficultyEasy
Health Benefits
Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory. May support memory, sleep, and dental health. Used in traditional medicine for digestive issues.
Nutmeg Photos
6 photos showcasing Nutmeg in its many forms
🌿
Nutmeg
spices
OriginBanda Islands
SeasonAvailable year-round
DifficultyEasy
Flavor Notes
Warmsweetslightly bitteraromaticcomplex with earthy undertones
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Pairs Well With
creamspinachpotatopumpkinbéchamelcinnamoncloves
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