Nutmeg Grater: What Is It and How Do I Use It?

Clockwise from left: Nutmeg Seeds, Ground Nutmeg, Nutmeg Grater

Not every kitchen needs a nutmeg grater (or grinder, as some people call them) because not every cook uses nutmeg.  But if you haven’t tried this spice, maybe you should—just to twirl the handle of the grater.

Nutmeg is actually a large seed, about 1 inch in length.  It’s brown in color and oval in shape.

Also available pre-ground, nutmeg is a popular baking ingredient. It provides a distinctly sweet but delicate flavor to eggnog, bread, vanilla ice cream and fruit desserts.  Try it in Apple Streusel Pie.

     

I also like to sprinkle freshly ground nutmeg on cooked vegetables.  It is especially good on dishes that feature spinach, like this Spinach Quiche recipe.

Cheese Fondue is another dish that calls for nutmeg.

Nutmeg has been around since Roman times and so have nutmeg graters.  Apparently a number of different kinds exist, but I have only ever seen one example—the one my mother-in-law gave me.  I always think of her when I use it.

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