How to Grate Nutmeg: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

2025 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-23 12:04

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.

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