Sorry if this seems like a silly question....
I recently ordered some lovely spices from Penzey's and along came fresh nutmeg. Do you grate it until it's gone or will I reach a point where I'd better stop grating? (other than my fingers are bleeding from the microplane) (like when zesting lemon you don't want to grate too far into the pith).

Does it last a long time? like years????

Thank you for not laughing at my question....and to those who do, I know who you are!!

Pokey

I have a special nutmeg grater that is like a pepper mill - my hands are never at risk of injury. I've seen microplane graters but I'd likely lose the tip of my fingers in one.

I don't keep a nutmeg long after I have started to grate it. While it retains flavour it isn't as good in my opinion.

J

you can grate to nothingness!

I have the microplane nutmeg grater.. it is fabulous..

( did you know mace grows on the outside of the nutmeg)

quote:

Does it last a long time? like years????

Penzey's mistakenly sent me an enormous bag of whole nutmeg about 5 years ago. I gave 5 to almost everyone I know, and was still left with well over 2 dozen. Needless to say, I try to use it every chance I get, and they seem to still be OK.

Thanks everyone for your replies! It's my new favorite thing to grate.

Maureen, I believe I heard you laughing.....

Pokey

I bought an antique glass apothecary jar.. filled with nutmeg!!! I have enough for life!
florentines use it in the bechamel sauce. gives it a real kick....and in the spinach and ricotta fillings..

be careful as a little goes a long way!

OK, you've convinced me. A trip to Penzy's this week for nutmeg.
It is a spice that I rarely use beyond eggnog and a few other dairy based desserts. I think I'm missing out on something.

I learned to use nutmeg in my tomato sauce from my grandmother. I also now favor spinach sauteed in just a bit of butter and fresh nutmeg over olive oil and garlic, although either will do, I think.

I love my little nutmeg haver that has a compartment to store the nut at the top.

Before I leave for Florida, I'll make a trip to our spice warehouse, Tadco and stock up for the winter.

I love nutmeg on baked winter squashes and in the occasional pasta dish with ricotta.

(Actually, I like smelling it!)

Pat

I also have a cute little nutmeg grater that works like a peppermill. Got it at Oil & Vinegar in England this summer. I've used the microplanes, but after an unfortunate incident with my knuckle, I prefer the mill. I use nutmeg often, and I've never noticed it going bad or losing flavor. I love it in any cream sauces, with any cheeses, and it's great with spinach, too. Well, as soon as we can start eating spinach again, that is...

Mmm. Nutmeg. I'd never thought of using it with winter squashes--need to give it a try.

One thing to keep in mind if cooking for anyone with tree nut allergies--since nutmeg is a tree nut, it shouldn't be used for those folks.