How to Grate Nutmeg: 15 Steps

Table of contents:

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Nutmeg is the seed of an evergreen plant that grows in Asia, Oceania and the Caribbean. A whole nutmeg, in its shell, lasts up to 9 years while, once grated, its life is reduced to about a year or less. Using freshly grated nutmeg gives the dishes a much more intense and fresh flavor.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Using a Grater

Step 1. Purchase a small grater with a handle or a zester

There are specific models, in stainless steel, with rougher and more resistant edges suitable for hard spices such as mace or nutmeg.

If you can't get a specific grater, use a very small generic one. You need a very sturdy tool with small hard holes to be able to engrave the seed

Step 2. Purchase a jar of nutmeg seeds

Make sure they are still sold in the shell. Once the shell is broken, the expiration date changes from 9 to 3 years.

Step 3. Break the shell to open the seed

You can crush it on a cutting board using the (flat) blade of a sturdy knife. Don't worry about breaking the seed.

Step 4. Remove the shell and continue breaking it if necessary

Step 5. Grab the grater by holding it at a 45 ° angle to the cutting board

Hold it by the plastic handle and rest the other end on the cutting board.

Step 6. Take the nutmeg seed between your index finger and thumb, making sure your fingers stay away from the blade

Step 7. Slide the side of the seed with a smooth motion for 5cm on the grater

Repeat until you have a small amount of powder. You can turn the grater upside down and rub the back with your fingers to drop any spice residue that has stuck.

If you just want to lightly "sprinkle" a hot or cold drink with the spice, hold the grater directly over the glass and make shorter strokes

Step 8. Use about ¾ of the amount of nutmeg required by the recipe, as freshly grated nutmeg has a more intense flavor

Method 2 of 2: Using a Grinder

Step 1. Purchase a nutmeg grinder at a home improvement store

Choose a model with stainless steel elements so it is easy to clean and lasts longer.

Step 2. Buy some fresh, whole nutmeg

You can find it in 3-4 seed jars at the supermarket or spice shop. Choose the one that still has the shell.

Step 3. Break the seed by squeezing it on the cutting board with a plate or knife blade

Direct the sharp edge away from you.

Step 4. Open the grinder

Fill the special "tank" about 2/3 with nutmeg and close the lid.

Step 5. Place the grinder on the surface where you want the spice powder to collect

Turn the grinder knob clockwise.

Step 6. Continue until you have enough nutmeg powder to use in your recipe

Compared to what is required by the recipe, use only half or at most three quarters.

Step 7. Leave the nutmeg in the grinder

Keep the lid closed and grate the spice as often as you need without refilling the tank.

4 Ways to Grate Cheese

Cheese is the garnish par excellence. Although grating it is very simple, there are many ways to cut this flavorful food. Here are some techniques for "grating" your cheese. Steps Method 1 of 4: Grater with Handle Step 1.

How to Grate Parmesan: 8 Steps

The flavor and quality of freshly grated Parmesan is superior to those packaged ready-made. Grating your cheese is not as quick and easy as using the pre-grated one but the flavor and the final result are really different in terms of quality.

4 Ways to Grate Potatoes

Many recipes require potatoes to be grated in order to mix them better with the other ingredients. This is the case, for example, of those delicious pancakes, called hash brown, that Anglo-Saxons love to eat for breakfast to accompany eggs and bacon.

3 Ways to Grate Ginger

Ginger has multiple uses, both culinary and medicinal. Since it has a thick, fibrous texture, grating it is no easy feat unless you know how to do it right. There are several systems that allow you to achieve an excellent result and not all of them require the use of a grater.

How to Grate Zucchini: 10 Steps

Zucchini recipes often require that the zucchini be grated to be added to the dough of bread, buns and pancakes. Grated courgettes, better than chopped ones, dissolve easily in the dough of baked goods, creating a soft and delicious consistency.