Nutmeg

One of the most highly prized spices in Europe in medieval times, nutmeg is the large, almost walnut-size nut of Myristica fragrans, a tree native to Indonesia. The nut is enclosed in a brittle lacy covering, called mace, that has a slightly different taste. Both nutmeg and mace are used to flavor sweets in the Subcontinent. For best flavor, buy whole nutmeg and grind it just before using. Ground nutmeg and mace are sold in grocery stores; whole nutmeg can be found in large grocery stores and in specialty shops.