Buying guide
Nutmeg Graters and Spice Mills for Christmas Baking
Freshly grated nutmeg tastes nothing like the jar. The small graters and mills that make whole spices easy.
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Christmas baking is full of spice: nutmeg in the pudding and mincemeat, cinnamon and mace in cakes. Whole spices, freshly grated or ground, have far more flavour than ready-ground jars.
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Options
| Tool | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nutmeg grater | Whole nutmeg | Small, often with a compartment to store the nut |
| Fine rasp grater | Nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, citrus zest | Does many jobs |
| Nutmeg mill | Grinding with a twist | No grated fingertips |
| Spice grinder | Whole spices such as cloves and allspice | Electric or manual |
Tips
- Grate nutmeg just before using; a little goes a long way.
- Keep whole spices in airtight jars: see spice storage ideas.
Use it in Christmas pudding and homemade mincemeat, or see our main guide to graters.
Frequently asked questions
Is freshly grated nutmeg better?
Yes. Ground nutmeg loses its aroma quickly; grating a whole nutmeg just before use gives a much fresher flavour.
How much grated nutmeg equals a teaspoon?
About half a whole nutmeg gives roughly a teaspoon of grated nutmeg.
How long do whole spices keep?
Whole spices keep their flavour much longer than ground, often a couple of years in an airtight jar away from light.
How we choose
BeneRecipes compares tools using manufacturer specifications and retailer listings. We have not tested these products ourselves and don't publish star ratings. We explain which type suits which cook and why.
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Recipes to go with it
Recipe · 3 hr 20 min
Homemade Mincemeat
Make it this week and it will be mellow and ready for your first mince pies: spiced fruit, apple, suet and a splash of brandy.
Recipe · 6 hr 40 min
Christmas Pudding
Today is Stir-up Sunday, the traditional day to make it: everyone stirs and makes a wish, and the pudding matures until Christmas.