Nutmeg are the kernel of the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree. This is the same plant that also provides us with mace. With a taste similar to mace but with hints of cloves, nutmeg is relatively inexpensive compared to mace. One tree produces at ten times the amount of nutmeg to mace. It is added to just about every form of preparation. This includes breads and baked goods to vegetable dishes, stews, meat fillings for pastas and pastries. Also don’t forget fruit, egg, and cheese dishes. It is also an essential ingredient to many spice mixtures used throughout Europe, north Africa, and the Middle East, and it’s hard to imagine a good old American pumpkin pie without it. Whole kernels of nutmeg last indefinitely, while the ground product quickly loses its flavour.