Looking for healthy nutmeg substitutes to use in the kitchen? This is the guide for you.
Nutmeg is a great spice that is used in the kitchen by most people because of the amazing flavor it adds to your dish and also because of its health benefits, some of which are:
- Nutmeg relieves pain.
- It increases system function.
- It gives you healthier skin.
- It strengthens thinking and reasoning abilities.
- It detoxifies your body.
- It improves the circulation of blood in your body system.
All these and more are health benefits of Nutmeg when used for cooking in general.
Now, what to do if you find out that you need to cook or bake and you’re all out of nutmeg? Well, here are some great alternatives to nutmeg. They add great flavor to your food too and you can also be rest assured that they’re healthy for you.
Table of Contents
7 Great Nutmeg Substitutes to Try Right Now
In no particular order, here are the best alternatives to nutmeg in the kitchen.
1. Mace
Mace is a fantastic alternative to nutmeg. In fact, it is called the sister spice of nutmeg because it is actually made from the protective coating of nutmeg seed. Nutmeg trees actually give two spices, which are: Nutmeg (the seed), and Mace (the protective coating of the seed).
Although, it’s flavor does differ a bit from nutmeg. It is sharper and sweeter than nutmeg. However, it has its own distinct flavor which is almost as good as nutmeg’s. You might even prefer it to nutmeg.
2. Cloves
Cloves are dried flower buds of the clove tree. You can use them as a substitute for nutmeg in your stews, soups, and sauces. When you want to use them, all you have to do is ground them into powder form and you’re good to go.
Clove oil can even be used to treat toothache and dental pain.
3. Cinnamon
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This spice is produced from the inner bark of cinnamon trees. It has a very pleasant flavor and is a great alternative to nutmeg. It is obtained from the inner bark of small evergreen trees. The bark is then peeled and put in the sun to dry up. As it dries, it curls up into rolls which are called cinnamon sticks.
When you want to make use of this spice, you can either break the stick into little pieces in your dish, or pound it into powder, depending on your preference.
4. AllSpice
This has a flavor combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper and berries.
Allspice is a spice made from dried berries. It’s name might make you think it’s a combination of different spices but it is not. Though it has a flavour of different spices, Allspice is made purely from dried berries. It is a great substitute to and can be used in equal amounts as nutmeg in your dish.
5. Ginger
This spice can be used in different forms which include, dried, fresh, ground, pickled, crystallized or powdered. It has a peppery and slightly sweet flavor and has a very strong and spicy aroma.
All you need to do before use is peel it, and use in any form that you desire. However, this might not be an alternative for everyone because of its strong aroma.
6. Garam Masala
This is a very popular spice used in India. Garam (meaning hot), and Masala (meaning a mixture of spices).
Now, this is the spice that can carry the name All-spice very comfortably as it is a mixture of nutmeg, cloves, mace, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric and black pepper. Quite the spice isn’t it?
It does possess more health benefits than nutmeg. It is deeper in colour, sweeter, and spicier than nutmeg. So, if your recipe says two tablespoons of nutmeg, you might want to put in just one and half tablespoons of Garam masala.
7. Apple Pie Spice
This spice contains mostly cinnamon and very small amounts of ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. However, bear in mind when using this spice that if the recipe calls for two tablespoons of nutmeg, only one tablespoon of apple pie spice should be added so your dish doesn’t get an overwhelming taste or aroma of cinnamon. Remember that apple pie spice is mostly cinnamon.
Never run out of nutmeg again!
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
In conclusion
All these are great alternatives to nutmeg but not all of them might be the alternative for you. Also, you should know that ginger shouldn’t be used as an alternative to nutmeg in your dessert because of its extremely strong and spicy flavor.
Apart from that though, with all these alternatives, you can rest assured that the absence of nutmeg in your dish will not be noticed.
