Are there any good nutmeg substitute recipes out there? Maybe some nutmeg-laced cakes or cookies are the thing for you, but if you’re not into the whole spice-tingling sensation, then nutmeg isn’t for you.
It is an aromatic spice used around the globe for its distinctive flavor.
Nutmeg, also known as “the spice of the century,” is a little nut widely used in cooking for thousands of years, dating back to Roman times when the Emperor use it to flavor their food. They would even grind it up to make a powder to sprinkle on everything from bread to meats.
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What is Nutmeg?
Nutmeg is a seed or ground spice from several species of the genus Myristica.
It is available in a variety of forms, from dried to fresh. Fresh nutmeg is all-natural and generally sells for less than half the price in bulk form.
If you haven’t tried nutmeg, you’re missing out. The nutmeg spice adds a bit of zest and flavor to just about any kind of dish.
So if you are looking for something different to spice up your dinner, look no further than the whole nutmeg.
Nutritional Facts of Nutmeg
Nutmeg is the ground or seed spice of some species of the family Myristica Fragrans. It is an excellent source of volatile oil, basil butter, and mace. Nutmeg from India is highly valued for its pungent and aromatic nature.
Nutmeg has a wide variety of nutrients and minerals beneficial for our body, including vitamin A, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, copper, and vitamins B-complex, E, and K. Besides these, it also contains many other nutrients like fiber, carbohydrates, protein, and lipids.
Another substance found in nutmeg is carotene, which contributes to vitamin A. However, the actual amount of vitamin A in nutmeg is less than vitamin A found in carrots.
Health Benefits of Nutmeg
Nutmeg is rich in magnesium and calcium, beneficial for the heart, bones, and teeth. Nutmeg also contains many trace minerals like boron, iodine, and phosphorus, essential for good health and immunity.
It’s loaded with minerals, vitamins, and secondary metabolites and has numerous antibacterial, anti-viral, antimicrobial, and anti-carcinogenic properties.
It’s often added to rice, salads, soups, stews, and even stir-fries. It will enhance the flavor of the pasta and may even prevent the formation of food poisoning! For those who love their spice, you can even sprinkle it over your baked goods to give them that wonderful aroma and flavor.
So make the best choice in spice by adding more to your meals. You’ll be amazed at how much it enhances the flavors of your meals.
Why do you need a substitute for nutmeg?
Nutmeg is a perfect and beneficial spice available in the market. However, some situations may demand a substitute. These situations may differ from person to person.
- Nutmeg out of stock in your spice cabinet
- Not available in the market
- Expensive
- Need a variety of flavor
8 Best Nutmeg Substitute
There are many spices you can choose as a substitute for nutmeg. In this article, you will find the Eight best nutmeg substitutes if your spice cabinet is out of nutmeg stock.
Related: 6 Best Cardamom Substitute
1. Clove
Cloves are one of the best substitutes for nutmeg that we have in our kitchens. They can give an aroma that is so delightful that it will instantly draw people into your home.
In addition, you might not know that a clove of garlic also contains the same pepper-like taste that you can get from a clove of nutmeg. You can also use it as an ingredient and many recipes call for both nutmeg and cloves.
When you decide to use nutmeg instead of cloves in your recipes, you might not realize how easy it is to incorporate it into your daily diet. I am sure that you will enjoy the flavor and the scent of the spices.
2. Ginger
Ginger is very flavorful and if you are going to serve it to your family or friends, make sure that you have the right kind of ingredients to come up with a great tasting dish.
Ginger is also very popular in making Thai food, also cook several different kinds of curries that will taste wonderful if you can include ginger in your cooking.
Many people think it strange for people trying to make their food use ginger instead of nutmeg. Indeed, ginger does not have as much flavor as nutmeg does, but you can always expect to get extra flavors when you use it.
You can boil it into a tea, add it to sauces, or even grind it up to make a great pesto. You will never go wrong if you use ginger to spice up your meals or use it as a nutmeg substitute.
3. Apple pie spice
The good thing about apple pie spice is that it has such a wide variety of uses. It has a wide-ranging flavor that you are limited only by your imagination.
It contains cinnamon and small amounts of nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and ginger. It has a strong cinnamon taste.
If you are having trouble tasting the different spices and are still not sure which one you like best, then keep experimenting until you find the perfect blend for you.
4. Pumpkin pie spice
Pumpkin pie spice is a spice mix made from ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It tastes similar to nutmeg and uses in a 1:1 ratio.
It doesn’t taste exactly like pumpkin, despite its name. It could also contain cloves. It contains nutmeg and other spices similar to it.
You can replace nutmeg in most recipes with pumpkin pie spice in equal amounts.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a well-known nutmeg substitute. Mostly, it comes in a powder form ideal to replace nutmeg.
Cinnamon is a common spice most people have in their kitchen. Because of its strong flavor, you can use it in place of nutmeg in many recipes. However, you should only use half the amount.
It’s also affordable and found in most grocery stores.
6. Allspice
Allspice is a berry from the herbaceous plant Pimenta dioica in the ginger family. It was used as a medicinal and culinary spice in many countries worldwide.
It grows wild in tropical and subtropical forests in India, Africa, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is one of the most aromatic and flavorful herbs.
If you enjoy using this flavorful spice, you can always substitute it for nutmeg in your cooking. You can use a mix of whole nutmeg and allspice to make a tasty holiday meal. You can also use it fresh to spice up your cooking as well.
7. Garam masala
Garam masala is an excellent nutmeg substitute because most spices used in garam masala have similar flavors.
If you are looking for a better way to make a curry, just put some garam masala along with the ingredients and let it flavor the entire curry before serving.
It will add a great deal to the taste of the final dish.
8. Mace
If you are looking for a nutmeg substitute, then mace is your best choice.
Both mace and nutmeg spices are from the Myristica Fragrans tree.
Mace is the outer layer of the nutmeg seeds and has a similar flavor to nutmeg.
You can easily substitute for nutmeg by using the same amount of mace.
