Noce Moscata

The nutmeg tree produces two spices: the nutmeg being the kernel inside the nut of the fleshy apricot-like fruit, and mace the coral-like membrane that covers the nut, scarlet when fresh and golden when dried. Grated nutmeg in very small amounts is used with potatoes (see Passato di patate and Torta di patate), in cooking spinach, and when filling ravioli with spinach and ricotta or ground meats. It is one of the aromatics (with black pepper, cinnamon, juniper berries, savory, rosemary, bay) which, pounded, are used in conserving pork. Much used, with cinnamon and ginger, as a flavouring in mediaeval cooking, and thus found in creations with a long tradition such as the panforte of Siena.