Nutmeg - Whole

2 oz - Indonesia

Maluku Islands in Indonesia, once held the most carefully guarded spice in the history of spice trading. It was so highly valued that the Portuguese - and later the Dutch - limited its cultivation to only two islands in the East Indies, putting to death anyone who attempted to elbow into the business. Fortunately, a non-affiliated group of birds carried the seeds throughout the Islands and beyond, breaking the nutmeg monopoly.

The peppery-sweet nutmeg is a traditional flavoring for cakes, gingerbread, biscuits, and fruit. It is commonly used in milk puddings, and a little grated into cherry or apple pie adds an indecipherable spiciness.

Nutmeg is excellent in savory dishes, especially sausages, fish, and seafood.

It is a necessary ingredient in many British-inspired chutneys, and grating just a bit over steamed cauliflower, baked onions, or mashed potatoes is a perfect finishing touch.