You do not need to peel, cut or toast whole nutmeg seeds before preparing them. Grate the nutmeg with a microplaner , the smallest holes of a standard cheese grater or a specialized nutmeg grinder. For maximum potency, grate only as much nutmeg as you need to use immediately.
Is the shell of nutmeg poisonous?
Nutmeg contains a substance called myristicin , a narcotic with very unpleasant toxic side effects if taken in large quantities. Myristicin can be found in a number of other spices and plants but is present in higher amounts in nutmeg.
Do you Grate nutmeg shell?
Peel away the shell completely from the nutmeg. ... Grate only what you need for the freshest, ground nutmeg. The best kind of grater to use is a Microplane grater because it has sharper edges than a standard grater. Freshly ground nutmeg is stronger so you might consider using a little less than your recipe calls for.
Can you eat grated nutmeg?
If you’re using whole nutmeg, grate it with a microplane or grater with smaller holes. Freshly grated nutmeg is delicious on fresh fruit, oatmeal, or yogurt . Summary Nutmeg has a warm, sweet flavor that pairs well with many different sweet and savory foods.
How do you scrape nutmeg?
Take your whole nutmeg and crack the shell open by smashing it . I find that pressing the nutmeg on a wood cutting board with the flat edge of a knife the best way to crack the shell. Peel away the shell completely from the nutmeg. Hold your grater at about a forty-five degree angle.
Why is nutmeg banned in Saudi Arabia?
Nutmeg is banned in Saudi Arabia because it can be an intoxicant and hallucinogen when consumed in large quantities .
Can you take nutmeg everyday?
But nutmeg is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken in doses larger than amounts found in foods and for long periods of time. Long-term use of nutmeg in doses of 120 mg or more daily has been linked to hallucinations and other mental side effects.
Does nutmeg make you sleep?
The healing properties of nutmeg helps in nerve relaxation. The potent medicinal properties of nutmeg help in calming nerves and releasing the serotonin, which induces sleep .
How much nutmeg a day is safe?
Nutmeg is safe in small amounts. However, as little as 2 teaspoons or 5 grams can cause some symptoms of toxicity. At larger amounts, symptoms become worse and serious complications or death can occur.
What food do you put nutmeg in?
It complements meat well and goes great with root vegetables and winter squash . You can use it when making hearty soups or stews. And nutmeg is just as great for baking as it is for cooking. It’s a key ingredient in many desserts, including pumpkin pie, custards, and egg nog during the holidays.
Can you mix nutmeg with milk?
Nutmeg has a calming effect when consumed in smaller doses. ... According to Ayurveda, you should add a pinch of nutmeg to a glass of warm milk and have it before sleeping. You can also add in some almonds and a pinch of cardamom for added benefits.
Is Whole nutmeg better than ground?
What really distinguishes whole nutmeg from its ground counterpart is the potent flavor . Whole nutmeg is stronger tasting and has considerably more flavor.
What is the taste of nutmeg?
What does ground nutmeg taste like? Nutmeg has a fresh, rich aroma and a woody, bittersweet flavor with hints of clove . It is warm and aromatic with a deep flavor.
Can you buy nutmeg in Saudi?
According to the Journal of Medical Toxicology, nutmeg can even cause fatal myristicin poisoning. For those reasons, Saudi Arabia considers nutmeg to be a narcotic, and since all narcotics are illegal, nutmeg is not allowed anywhere in the country , except as a minor ingredient in pre-mixed spice blends.
How much is too much for nutmeg?
According to the case studies from the Illinois Poison Center, even 10 grams (approximately 2 teaspoons) of nutmeg is enough to cause symptoms of toxicity. At doses of 50 grams or more , those symptoms become more severe. Like any other drugs, the dangers of nutmeg overdose can occur no matter the method of delivery.
Is nutmeg allowed in Islam?
Muslims can use a little amount of nutmeg as a flavour in their food but it is better to avoid it altogether , according to a new Islamic edict issued Tuesday. ... Both nutmeg and mace come from the same plant. Nutmeg has a warm, spicy aroma and flavour and can be used in sweet and savoury cooking.
