Nutmeg Mace

Nutmegs are the seeds of the beautiful evergreen tree, Myristica fragrans. Each seed weighs between 5 and 10 grams and is 2 to 3 centimetres long. In Kerala, nutmeg is used for various medicinal purpose, but it is also a common ingredient in various sweet and savoury dishes.

Mace comes from the same tree as nutmeg, but whereas the flavour of nutmeg and mace is similar, nutmeg is slightly sweeter and mace slightly more delicate. Mace is often preferred in light dishes for the bright orange, saffron-like hue.

Mace should be stored in an airtight container in a dark, cool place, but not in a refrigerator. Life span is only a few months.