Key facts
| Hindi name | Jaiphal |
|---|---|
| Also called | Jathikka (Malayalam) |
| Flavour | Sweet, warm and nutty. |
| Heat | No heat |
| Sold as | Whole, grated |
| Stays fresh | Whole: 3 years, ground: 3 months · check your jars |
| Best substitute | Mace, or a little allspice. |
| Used in | 5 of our blends and 2 of our dishes |
How to use it
Grated in tiny amounts into Mughlai gravies, garam masala and sweets.
- Grate it fresh; a few scrapes are enough.
Substitute
Mace, or a little allspice.
Storage
Whole nutmeg keeps for years.
Nutmeg and mace come from the same fruit: nutmeg is the seed, mace the lacy red covering.
Pairs well with
Dishes that use nutmeg
Blends with nutmeg
Garam masala (Punjabi style)
North India
The best-known Indian spice mix: warm, aromatic and only mildly hot. Every household has its own version; thi…
Biryani masala
Hyderabad and Lucknow
A fragrant blend with more floral spices than garam masala: mace, nutmeg, star anise and rose.
Frequently asked questions
What is nutmeg called in Hindi?
Jaiphal. Also known as Jathikka (Malayalam).
What can I use instead of nutmeg?
Mace, or a little allspice.
How long does nutmeg keep?
Whole nutmeg keeps for years.
Tips from travellers
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Questions from readers
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