Topic: whole nutmeg

[Mrs Ava]

How long is it good for?  I have a couple of jars that have been given to me, all 'megs ungrated and whole and not shrivlled or poorly looking, but I would say, they are several ( 5+) years old.  As they are whole and in jars in the dark, will they keep indefinately?

[triffid]

Not quite indefinitely but certainly for a year or two. Five years-plus I don't know about -- if they've been in a cool place, quite possibly.

The easy way to check will be to sacrifice one under a hammer -- if it's still good, you'll find it's quite oily inside (as well as overwhelmingly fragrant)...

[tricia]

I'm still using whole nutmegs from a large jar which I bought when I lived in Spain :P. I love the aroma of the freshly grated nut and the flavour is still strong, so I guess it's still good and will continue to use up the jar......(I left Spain in 1997 ;D).

Tricia

[Mrs Ava]

I shall bash one tomorrow!  ;D  I did start a fresh one today when preparing to make the Chistmas pud and the aroma was amazing and pungent and strong!! 

Why would you leave Spain tricia!!??

[tim]

Agree!

[triffid]

EJ -- just stuck my nose round the door to see if I could smell nutmeg!  :D