Nutmeg

Nutmeg is the seed of a small green fruit, which when broken open, reveals a shiny brown, conker-like shell, surrounded by a bright red mesh. The red mesh, once dried, is the spice mace and inside the shell is the nutmeg. Nutmeg is best bought whole and grated as and when required. You can buy small nutmeg graters with a built-in storage compartment, which will keep the nutmeg for over a year. Nutmeg has a strong fragrance and slightly sweet, spice-heavy flavour that can be used in so many different ways. In Malaysia, nutmeg is used to make a pungent iced drink, it flavours briyanis and pilafs everywhere, and works extremely well with traditional white and cheese sauces. It’s also delicious in desserts.