Mace

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated May 27, 2022)

Among all the different spices available in the world, mace (also known by the scientific name Myristica fragrans houtt) is actually a part of another popular spice: nutmeg. Mace is harvested by using the same fruit that contains the spice nutmeg. When cutting into the fruit to remove the nutmeg spice, you will notice that the seed of the plant (which is the actual nutmeg spice) is covered in a red colored, slightly waxy looking substance. This substance is the spice mace. This raw form of mace is removed from the nutmeg seeds, and set aside to allow it to dry. As it begins to dry the spice loses the red coloring, and becomes more orange in coloring.

High quality mace will retain the orange coloring after it has completely dried. There are some decent varieties that will have a slightly different color though. Decent quality mace will have a creamy brown color, and poor quality mace will have a darker color. Mace has a taste that is very similar to that of nutmeg; which only makes sense, since it comes from the same plant as nutmeg. There is a slight difference in the tastes of the two spices though. Generally speaking, mace has a fairly seductively sweet taste which is slightly more "snappy" than nutmeg. Now since mace is very similar in taste to nutmeg, it is very easy to substitute the two spices in recipes. Be aware though, that even though the spice is similar in taste to nutmeg, if you use it as a substitute in a recipe, there will be a slightly different taste. This can be a great way to add a new twist to a classic recipe.

Mace can be a great spice to use on things such as pies, pound cakes, cookies, fruit, vegetables, and drinks. The reason for this is that mace will perk up the taste receptors, and the oils that are inherent to the spice are great for blending with other spices and flavors. Simply put, mace is one of the great spices for adding a little zest to your food. Considering that mace is such a versatile spice, there is virtually no end to what it can be used for. All that you really need to do is experiment a little, and see what works for you.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Protecting Your Identity

Protecting your identity is becoming more important with each passing day. Often times it seems like you can't turn on ...

Discover More

Removing the Odor of Sickness

Anyone that has ever been around chronically sick, or terminally ill people know how there is a slight, but significant, ...

Discover More

How Much is Your Trade-In Really Worth?

Getting a new car is often filled with many different stressful situations, perhaps none more stressful than waiting to ...

Discover More
More Cooking Tips

Cloves

Cloves are one of those spices that seem to be full of contradictions. From it's bloody history, to the unusual color of ...

Discover More

Cooking With Garlic

Garlic is one of those tricky ingredients that you need to be careful with when cooking. If you don't use enough, you ...

Discover More

Ginger

Ginger is one of the most popular spices in the world. In fact, this long beloved spice has been a mainstay ingredient in ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is eight more than 9?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)