If you've never grated a nutmeg yourself...I'd say I'm sorry for you but I'm not! You still get to experience that amazing first time tasting and smelling fresh nutmeg!

I buy nutmegs whole and use a little microplane grater that I also use for zesting citrus. The whole nutmegs stay fresh forever while the pre-ground is stale (and adulterated) on the grocery shelf. It takes as much time to grate a little nutmeg into whatever it is you're cooking as it does to measure some out from a tin (maybe less). And the difference in fragrance and taste is extreme. I mean, really different, and well worth the non-bother. With my whole heart I encourage you to try it!

Lynn Siprelle, Editor