Nutmeg is the seed of a perennial evergreen plant that grows in Asia, Australia and the Caribbean islands. Whole nutmeg in its shell can last for 9 years, but grated nutmeg can only last less than a year. Grated fresh nutmeg will give your cooking a stronger and fresher aroma and taste.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using a Grate/Knife
Step 1. Purchase a Microplane grater knife
This stainless steel knife has a sharper edge than a regular grater, and is suitable for grating tough spices such as nutmeg or mace.
If you can't find a grater like this, use a nutmeg grater or a small grated knife. You will need a very strong grater with small, hard holes to grate the nutmeg properly
Step 2. Buy a jar of whole nutmeg seeds
Make sure the nutmeg is still in its shell. After the shell of the nutmeg is opened, the resistance of the nutmeg will decrease, from nine years to three years.
Step 3. Crack the nutmeg shell
Crush the shells by pressing them between a cutting board and a hard knife/plate. Don't be afraid to damage the nutmeg.
Step 4. Remove the nutmeg shell
Break more nutmeg shells if needed.
Step 5. Hold the Microplane or nutmeg grater at a 45 degree angle above your cutting board
Grasp the plastic end of the grater, and place the sharp end on the cutting board.
Step 6. Grasp the tip of the nutmeg with your thumb and index finger
As much as possible, keep your fingers away from the grater.
Step 7. Slide down the ends of the nutmeg in a quick motion, until the seeds are 5cm below the grater
Repeat until the grated nutmeg appears on the cutting board. You can flip the grater and rub the back of it to remove the stuck nutmeg.
To grate nutmeg as a accompaniment to a cold/warm drink, hold the grater over the glass and use slower motions
Step 8. Use grated nutmeg as much as 3/4 of the amount recommended in the recipe
Freshly grated nutmeg is stronger than ground nutmeg.
Method 2 of 2: Using a Peanut Crusher
Step 1. Purchase a nut crusher, spice processor, or nutmeg grater from a kitchen supply store
Buy a machine with anti-rust parts so that the machine is easy to clean and can be used for a long time.
Step 2. Buy fresh whole nutmeg
You can find 3-6 nutmeg seeds in glass containers at supermarkets, or buy nutmeg per seed at a spice store. Choose nutmeg that is still in its shell.
Step 3. Break the nutmeg shell by pressing a knife/plate on top of the nutmeg on a cutting board
Keep the tip of the knife from facing you.
Step 4. Open the nut crusher
Fill 2/3 of the machine with nutmeg seeds, then close the machine.
Step 5. Take the machine, then place the machine in the nutmeg grater shelter
Turn the engine hinge clockwise.
Step 6. Turn the hinges until the grater is sufficient for your recipe
Use 1/2 to 3/4 of the recommended amount for ground nutmeg.
Step 7. Store the nutmeg in the machine
Cover the top of the machine and grate fresh nutmeg without needing to refill the machine every time you need it.
