Nutmeg - How To Use
(Also known as True Nutmeg and Fragrant Nutmeg)
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Nutmeg has a bittersweet and deep woody flavour for both sweet and savoury dishes. Not everyone is aware, but nutmeg is the seed, or more so, it is the kernel in the seed, and mace is the lacy covering of nutmeg. The nutmeg tree can yield more than 10,000 seeds in the year with several harvests. Nutmeg originates from the Maluku islands, the trinity of islands producing Nutmeg, Cloves and Mace. It can overpower a dish, so it works well with other strong spices.
It can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, such as baked goods, spiced desserts, or sausages and vegetables.
How do you keep nutmeg fresh?
Always grind nutmeg last minute when using it. When we are making a blend, we prolong the flavour because it can evaporate very quickly when milled. You need to seal that jar quickly.
What flavours go with nutmeg?
- Apple
- Aubergine
- Avocado
- Butternut Squash
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Cinnamon
- Celery
- Cloves
- Chocolate
- Ginger
- Onion
- Parsnip
- Potato
- Saffron
- Tomato
- Turnip
- Vanilla
- Walnut
Try our Persian soup blend Advieh Ash rich in nutmeg, it is the perfect partner to butternut squash soup or rich tomato soup. This blend would also pair beautifully with savoury rice or couscous.
Health Benefits
Nutmeg produces a group of chemicals called neolignans found in its oil. These are known to act on the tongue and the mouth to give a numbing sense of lasting coolness. Nutmeg may fight depression and anxiety, insomnia and boost brainpower. It has powerful anti-inflammatories and antioxidant properties.
Interesting Facts
- Native to the Banda island in the Maluku islands, it has a long and fierce history. As a commodity, traders wanted to keep its provenance secret to keep the price inflated.
- Nutmeg hosts aphrodisiac and healing properties. Large consumption of nutmeg will act as a hallucinogenic, customarily fashionable with the wealthy for this very reason. During the 16th Century, nutmeg was in such demand that it was more valuable than gold in price. Initiating a race to find the source between the Dutch, Portuguese and the British, the Dutch eventually took over the island of Banda. However, in a twist of fate, the Dutch gave up one of the Maluku islands to the British in return for one of their settlements in the New World. They gave Britain "New Amsterdam", which today we know as "New York".
- On a Saturday evening to the Jewish ritual Farewell for the Feminine Aspect of God, nutmeg is passed around the table along with other spices to remind those that her presence should infuse the week like the sweet smell of spice that fills the air.
- Nutmeg is a key ingredient in mulled wine, cider and eggnog.
Chief flavour profile
Myristicin: (woody, warm and balsamic) The myristicin compound makes up a minute part of nutmeg oil, but it plays a big role in the overall flavour. This woody element of myristicin compound complements ginger, black pepper and anise. The oil properties of nutmeg produce a group of chemicals called neolignans that numb your tongue with an enduring coolness.
Blends to try with Nutmeg
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Advieh Ash $12.00
![Advieh Ash Persian Spice Mix (Soup)]()
Introducing Advieh Ash - This ancient Persian spice mix derives from the Achaemenid Empire, 6th-century BC. A slightly sweet and nutty aromatic blend, composed primarily of dried fenugreek leaves. Advieh Ash has hints of spice with umami undertones, pairing wonderfully with root vegetables, pulses and lentils. All natural, salt-free, and vegan.
Endless Culinary Adventures - Advieh Ash is the ideal accompaniment for soups, stews, ramen, and bone broths of all types. Customers also love it in couscous and rice dishes. Just a pinch of this exquisite blend will elevate your soup to the next level.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Advieh-E Halegh $12.00
![Advieh-E Halegh Persian Spice Mix (Baking and Desserts))]()
Introducing Advieh-E Halegh- Award-winning. This ancient Persian spice mix derives from the Achaemenid Empire, 6th-century BC. Advieh-E Halegh offers a tantalizingly delicate fragrance with the delectable sweetness of cinnamon, cloves and rose petals. This blend lends itself to flavours of rhubarb and orange. All-natural, salt-free and vegan.
Endless culinary adventures - This blend is perfect for enhancing a variety of sweet treats like cakes, puddings, biscuits, crumbles and more! Even stir it into breakfast smoothies or overnight oats with grated apple. Get inspired with our Persian rice pudding recipe, or elevate a refreshing orange sorbet.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Quatre Epices $12.00
![Quatre Epices French Four Spice Mix (All purpose seasoning)]()
Introducing Quatre Epices - Discover the remarkable variety of flavours in Quatre Epices - an enticing aromatic French spice mix that dates back to the 17th century. All-natural, salt-free and vegan. Whether you're cooking, baking, or cocktail making, you can depend on Quatre Epices for its diversity, warmth, and woody notes. This blend has highlights of nutmeg and allspice, adding distinct depth to popular dishes.
Endless culinary adventures - Try with classics like roast ham, chicken liver parfait, and casseroles for savoury inspiration. For a natural sweetness, add to porridge, sweet bakes, and desserts - this blend pairs beautifully with apples, rhubarb and orange fruits. Customers have also remarked that this exquisite mixture is the perfect complement to a spiced coffee (freshly ground whole beans), mulled wine or hot spiced cider.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Sofrito $12.00
![Sofrito Spanish spice mix (Catalan all purpose seasoning)]()
Introducing Sofrito - Catalan in origin, Sofrito is a 14th Century blend of balanced and versatile Mediterranean ingredients. All-natural, salt-free and vegan. This spice mix has highlights of lemon peel, thyme and tomato powder, with citrusy and herbal notes.
Endless culinary adventures - Sofrito is the perfect all-purpose seasoning for adding depth to chicken pie, pan-fried salmon, meatballs, tomato/ragu sauces or as a natural gravy/stock. Our bread baking customers tell us that adding a teaspoon to your dough creates a delicious new flavour profile!
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
