Traditions with nutmeg and mace

Nutmeg and mace come from the same fruit, the seed of the nutmeg tree and its red lacy covering, native to the Banda Islands of Indonesia. Once among the most valuable goods in the world, they now flavour the festive baking of Europe, the curries of India, the desserts of the Caribbean and the sausages of Italy. A little grated over milk or eggnog is a sign of the holiday season. These pages follow the traditions that use them.

Where it is used

In Grenada, the Spice Isle, nutmeg appears on the national flag, and it is used in rum punch and in oil down. In the Netherlands, it flavours Christmas speculaas and potatoes, in Britain, custard tart and eggnog, in Italy, tortellini filling and in India, garam masala and Mughal sweets. In Indonesia, the pickled nutmeg fruit is a snack in the Moluccas.

What it means

Nutmeg's history, with Dutch and English contests for the Banda Islands, is one of the dramatic stories of the spice trade. In the Caribbean, it signals home and the island's heritage. A sprinkle of nutmeg on a drink at the end of the year is a custom that many families repeat without thinking, and a whole nutmeg and a small grater were once a gentleman's pocket kit.