topic Re: A question re: whole nutmeg in Kitchen

A question re: whole nutmeg

Snicks1 — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 01:44:24 GMT

I recently decided to try whole nutmeg for the first time in my life, so, ordered from Penzey's, of course, and now wonder, do I need to peel it? Also, I did use a bit of it (without peeling) and thought it tasted kind of bitter, not at all like the ground nutmeg I am used to; anyone have thoughts on this? Thanks for your help.

Re: A question re: whole nutmeg

DeDe56 — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 01:52:08 GMT

I always buy whole nutmeg and use a micro plane to grate it. I've only bought the better quality brands at the grocery and I know they don't need to be peeled. A little goes a long way.

Re: A question re: whole nutmeg

Clover29 — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 01:53:27 GMT

I've never used ground nutmeg, I didn't even know you could get it. Always had a nutmeg grater. I don't put it on anything "raw", it always gets cooked, on custard tarts, in cheese sauces.

Re: A question re: whole nutmeg

DiAnne — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 01:55:36 GMT

I just grate it with a microplane but I have never bought it from Penzey's.

Re: A question re: whole nutmeg

Zcat — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 02:01:12 GMT

I grate mine on the microplane also. It is definitely more pronounced than the ground nutmeg.

Re: A question re: whole nutmeg

LooPY — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 02:10:56 GMT

You don't have to peel it--just use a nutmeg grater (it looks like a small rounded microplane) and grate away! It has a more intense, real nutmeg flavor than the powdered version, and a little goes a long way, but it's a wonderful addition to all sorts of cooked and baked dishes.

Re: A question re: whole nutmeg

Snicks1 — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 02:13:11 GMT

Thanks, I thought maybe it was just stronger flavored than the pre-ground that I was used to. And I couldn't imagine how to peel it, glad to know that is not necessary. Thanks again, have a great evening.

Re: A question re: whole nutmeg

Yahooey — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 02:33:11 GMT

I received a whole nutmeg as a welcome gift when I visited Grenada. I held onto it although I didn't know what to do with it. I didn't watch cooking shows either. Fast forward and I needed nutmeg for Mac and Cheese. I knew you had to grate it and I had a micro plane but I thought I had to crack the nut first. I used pliers to open the nut - it cracked in half but didn't reveal an inner nut. Duh me. Now I had 2 halves to grate. Hard to hold onto it and it lasted forever before I bought a container. it might last me a lifetime.

Re: A question re: whole nutmeg

house_cat — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 03:07:05 GMT

I never really cared much for it until I started grating it myself. I made an apple pie recipe today that didn't call for it, but I added it anyway. It's such a lovely aroma when it's fresh grated, but yes, a little goes a long way so be careful not to overdo it.

Re: A question re: whole nutmeg

DiAnne — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 03:10:43 GMT

It is wonderful on sautéed spinach also.

Re: A question re: whole nutmeg

kitty4me — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 04:02:56 GMT

I never buy the powder nutmeg since I purchased this grater from Sur La Table a few years ago. I only buy whole.

http://www.chefscatalog.com/product/29211-Peugeot-Tidore-Nutmeg-Grinder-and-Shaver.aspx?utm_source=pricegrabber&utm_medium=shopping&utm_content=29211&utm_campaign=Peugeot&sourcecode=FW3CS3019&gdftrk=gdfV23800_a_7c2214_a_7c9322_a_7c40658

Re: A question re: whole nutmeg

gkelly — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 09:08:18 GMT

I bought whole nutmeg from Penzey's a few years ago! I had always used the powder. I forget the size I bought but I wanted to make sure I had enough I had to give most of it away it was so much!! Mine came in a sealed bag but I put it in a bottle to store in the cabinet. I use a grater and like everyone else, it doesn't take much! And yes, no need to "peel" it before grating it!

Re: A question re: whole nutmeg

debic — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:11:47 GMT

I've never seen nutmeg with the 'skin' on. Only in pictures, it's a thing strange looking cover which is what mace is.