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.
