What is the average shelf life of nutmeg? How long does nutmeg last in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer? What is the best way to store nutmeg to increase their shelf life? Find out the answers to these questions and more below:
Shelf Life of Nutmeg
| Pantry | Refrigerator | Freezer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground | 2-3 Years | - | - |
| Dried | 2-3 Years | - | - |
| Whole | 4-5 Years |
Nutmeg can be purchased whole or dried and in its powdered form. This herb is great whole, because in this form, the fresh aroma of nutmeg remains for a longer period of time. Whole nutmeg can be kept in the pantry for as long as 4-5 years. If you buy the powdered form of this herb, then it may not last as long as whole nutmeg, but it still lasts for 2-3 years. The herb will not lose its aroma.
Purchasing Nutmeg:
To purchase nutmeg, you should be very careful, as the herbs can’t be judged easily as to whether they are good or not. Whole nutmeg lasts for years, so if you buy it, you don’t have to worry much about it going bad. If you are purchasing powdered nutmeg, you should look for the date when it was ground, and then make sure the texture of the powder seems suitable and fresh. Both the ground and whole forms of nutmeg should contain that nutmeg aroma, as this is what makes it unique.
Storing Nutmeg:
Nutmeg is stored in various places. It it not hard to keep fresh, but if not placed in a proper area, it won’t last as long. You can store your powdered nutmeg in a jar that is closed tightly to maintain its freshness. One thing to keep in mind is that moisture should not be anywhere near where you keep your herbs. Any moisture near your spices will make them stale and useless.
How to Handle Nutmeg:
The handling processes of various herbs are quite similar. Nutmeg is a nut that is rather hard in its shell, and no matter what you do, you can’t use it as a whole, because it won’t break on its own; you will never be able to obtain the aroma it contains. To add nutmeg to any dish, you should either buy the powdered form, which can be used as it is, or you can use whole nutmeg and grate it. The hard shell breaks into small crystalline pieces and is best used in different savory or sweet dishes.
Cooking with Nutmeg:
Nutmeg is a very basic spice in the kitchen. It has a unique aroma and is spicy and sour at the same time. You can add it to different dishes to give the dish a unique flavor and aroma. Most of the time, nutmeg is used in sweet dishes, such as cakes, puddings, and custards. It is a key ingredient used in béchamel sauce, which is mainly cooked out of the herb’s aroma and spiciness.