What is Mace Spice?

Derived from the tropical nutmeg tree, also referred to as Myristica fragrans, Mace is the lace-like red membrane, also referred to as the aril, that encases the outside of the nutmeg seed.

Once ripe, the fruit falls from the tree and splits open revealing the aril and seed. To harvest, the aril is removed carefully from the outside, flattened, and left out to dry for up to two weeks - thus Mace is created.

The seed inside is Mace's more-well-known family member - Nutmeg. Like Nutmeg, Mace is used in both dried whole pieces and as a dried ground powder.

Where does it come from?

The nutmeg tree was first discovered on the Moluccas Islands of Indonesia. The Moluccas Islands are aptly referred to as The Spice Islands due to their abundance of spice-growing and producing plants and trees. Since its initial discovery, the nutmeg tree can now be found throughout tropical areas including Sri Lanka, South America, and some areas of the Caribbean - predominantly Grenada, where nutmeg is their national symbol, proudly printed on the country's flag.

What does it taste like?

With a warm, citrus-like, sweet, and spicy flavour, Mace has a similar yet milder taste to nutmeg. Its delicate aroma makes it ideal for seafood and fish dishes, as well as sweet new-season veg, and chicken.

What is Mace Spice?

How to use it

Bloom in a warm pan before using to release its volatile oils
It goes well with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, ginger, nutmeg, paprika, pepper, rosebuds, and thyme
Use it to flavour spice rubs, roasts, marinades
Use in soups, sauces, stuffing, stews
Use in small quantities in baked goods like cakes and biscuits
For recipes that ask for nutmeg, you can substitute it for mace. For one whole nutmeg, use one tablespoon of mace ground

What is Mace Spice?

Health benefits

Mace is known to contain vitamins A and C, as well as iron, carotenes, calcium, copper, and magnesium. Warming, invigorating spices like Mace can also aid in digestion and kickstarting our metabolisms. Studies carried out have also identified Mace's effectiveness when relieving inflammation within the body, as well as aiding in stomach ailments like diarrhoea. The soft sweetness of Mace also reduces the need for extra added sugar.

Mace is a versatile spice that's easy to use in savoury and sweet dishes.

Try some recipes using Mace.

Super-Simple Spiced Apple Crumble

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Mace-Butter and Sage Sauce

How to Make Homemade Mixed Spice

See more recipes