Nutmeg & Mace (Kungumanga)
A two-for-one spice: the round brown seed is nutmeg, and the lacy red-netting aril wrapped around it is mace - both from the same apricot-sized fruit of a tall tropical tree.
HOW TO IDENTIFY IT
Whole nutmegs look like wrinkled wooden marbles and release a warm, nutty aroma only when grated. Buy whole - pre-ground fades fast. Mace looks like dried orange lace and tastes like a brighter, softer nutmeg.
CULTURE & KITCHEN
Introduced to Zanzibar plantations alongside cloves, nutmeg shows up in Swahili desserts, coconut curries and tonics. At spice farms you'll be offered nutmeg tea for sleep - a genuine local remedy.