{"id":446,"date":"2022-04-16T15:38:21","date_gmt":"2022-04-16T15:38:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/local.brightercooking\/?p=446"},"modified":"2022-04-22T06:00:15","modified_gmt":"2022-04-22T10:00:15","slug":"mace-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/local.brightercooking\/mace-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s Mace Crimson in Color, and This is What it Is"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Mace Spice is the dried lacy reddish covering, or aril, which envelops the nutmeg kernel. It comes from the nutmeg tree and is harvested hand in hand with the nutmeg kernel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mace and nutmeg are distinctively different\u00a0spices\u00a0from the same\u00a0fruit<\/a>. It has a higher concentration of essential\u00a0oils<\/a>\u00a0and a more intense flavor and aroma than nutmeg<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It originates from the Indonesian Maluku (Spice) Islands. It is also widely cultivated in Malaysia, in the Caribbean, especially in Grenada, and southern India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once harvested from the tree, the outer pulp or husk is removed and discarded. Just underneath is where the crimson-colored aril, which envelopes the kernel is found. This is what is known as mace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The mace should then be gently peeled off from the kernel surface and flattened into strips. They are then dried, and sold either as whole mace blades or finely ground into powder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mace blades or ground powder packed inside air-sealed containers can be bought readily from stores. It is preferable to purchase whole mace or its blades instead of powder as the powdered form loses its flavor much faster due to the evaporation of essential oils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, the powdered form can easily be adulterated with impurities or powder of inferior quality product. You should, therefore, strive to acquire your spice from reputable sources to ensure you have the best product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whole mace spice and blades at home should be stored in an airtight container and placed in a cool, dark, and dry place. Stored properly they can stay fresh for several months. Ground mace, however, should be stored in well-sealed packs and used as quickly as possible after purchasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to use Mace in Your Food Preparation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n