How to Grate Nutmeg

Last Updated: February 17, 2023 References

Nutmeg is the seed of an evergreen plant that grows in Asia, Australasia and the Caribbean. A whole nutmeg in its shell can last up to 9 years, while grated nutmeg may have a shelf life of a year or less. Grating fresh nutmeg off the seed will impart a stronger, fresher smell and flavor to your recipes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Grater/Zester

1
Purchase a Microplane zester/grater. These stainless steel kitchen utensils have sharper edges than regular zesters or graters and they are ideal for grating hard spices like nutmeg and mace.^{[1]
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- If you don't have access to this type of zester, use a nutmeg grater or a small zester. You need a very sturdy grater with small, hard holes to adequately grind the hard seed.
2
Buy a jar of whole nutmeg seeds. Make sure they are sold in the shell. Once the shell is broken on the seed, the expiration date moves from nine years to three years.^{[2]
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3
Crack the shell of a nutmeg seed open. Smash it between the cutting board and a strong knife or plate. Don't worry about breaking the seed itself.
4
Peel away the shell, cracking more shell as needed.
5
Hold your Microplane or nutmeg grater at a 45-degree angle to your cutting board. Grasp it on the plastic handle and rest the other end on the cutting board.^{[3]
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6
Grasp the tip of the nutmeg seed with your thumb and forefinger. It is best to try to keep your fingers as far away from the grater as possible.
7
Slide the edge of the nutmeg in a fluid motion down two inches (5cm) of the grater. Repeat until you have a small pile of ground nutmeg on your cutting board. You can turn the Microplane over and wipe the back of it with your finger to harvest any nutmeg grounds that become stuck.^{[4]
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- For a light dusting on top of a cold or warm drink, hold the grater above a cup and use shorter motions.
8
Use approximately three-fourths of the nutmeg measure that is called for in your recipe. Freshly grated nutmeg is stronger than ground nutmeg.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Nut Mill

1
Purchase a nut mill, spice grinder or nutmeg grinder from a kitchen retailer. Choose a model with stainless steel parts so that it is easy to clean and has a long life.
2
Buy fresh whole nutmeg. You can find three to six seeds in a glass spice jar at the supermarket or buy it by the seed in a spice shop. Choose nutmeg that is still in its shell.^{[5]
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3
Crack the nutmeg shell off by pressing a plate or knife turned sideways on the nut while it is on the cutting board. Point the knife blade away from you.
4
Open the nut mill. Load the chamber about two-thirds full with a nutmeg seed. Close the top.^{[6]
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5
Pick up the mill and place it on the surface where you want your grated nutmeg to fall. Turn the crank on the nut mill/grinder in a clockwise direction.
6
Turn the crank until you have enough nutmeg to use in your recipe. Use between one-half and three-fourths the measure indicated for pre-ground nutmeg.
7
Keep the nutmeg inside the mill. Close the top and grind fresh nutmeg without refilling the grinder each time you need it.

Community Q&A
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Question

What can I use nutmeg for?

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Nutmeg is great with dishes that feature milk, cream, custard and/or eggs. It is often part of spiced baked food recipes. It can be used in dishes that feature pumpkin, spinach, sweet potatoes, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. It is tasty added to the top of milkshakes, eggnogs, yogurt drinks, and other dairy-based drinks; and is nice with coffee or hot chocolate drinks.
Question

Is it better to grate nutmeg or use bottled nutmeg?

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This comes down to personal preference of taste and convenience. Pre-grated nutmeg in small jars is easy to use and provided it is still within the use-by date and has been properly stored, it will taste fine. However, freshly grated nutmeg has an amazing flavor and aroma that the pre-grated nutmeg cannot live up to, so it's worth trying to grate fresh nutmeg to decide for yourself.
Question

Which part of the nutmeg do you use - its center or just the hard outer shell?

Community Answer

The nutmeg to which you're referring is the nutmeg seed as a whole. All of this seed can be used once grated, both the outer and inner parts. The benefit of the nutmeg seed being grated as you need it is that you can use it over a long period of time and it retains its potency. It also tastes better than powdered nutmeg, as it's fresher. Keep it in an airtight container in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight, to ensure that it lasts a long time.