Any good cook knows the key to delicious food is in the spices. A pinch of this, a dash of that, and even the most mundane dish can become something spectacular. Not all spices are created equal, however. The best seasonings are straight from the earth—and are usually organic and non-GMO.

At Thrive Market, those are exactly the sort of natural spices we sell. We’re dedicated to bringing you the highest quality products at a discount while maintaining our commitment to sustainability and social justice. The quality of our spices is no small part of that equation, and that’s why we don’t compromise our values, even on something as basic as nutmeg.

History of nutmeg

In the 1600s the Dutch and the British were shadowing each other all over the globe while they were competing for territory and control of the spice trade. The Dutch traded control of Manhattan, NY (which wasn’t important those days) to the British, in exchange for British land that produced nutmeg. It was such a sought after spice that the Dutch also tried to corner the nutmeg market by killing off the natives of the Indonesian Banda Islands, where nutmeg was produced.

Unconventional ways to use nutmeg

Facial treatment

To create a soothing all over facial treatment or spot treatment, mix together honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a paste. Spread it on your face to clean out pores and revitalize the skin.

Enhance bath scrubs

If you want to take your bath scrubs to the next level, try spicing them up with some nutmeg. You can add it directly to your bath scrubs or even sprinkle it into your bath water for a calming sensation that will leave you smelling good enough to eat.

In a simmer pot

There are few things more welcoming than a house that smells good. Throw together this delicious stove top potpourri by combining puréed pumpkin, apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Set to simmer and get ready for your home to be filled with comforting fall fragrance.

Ways to cook with nutmeg

Nutmeg is good for more than sprinkling on top of your latte, and now that you know some of the ways it can improve your health and well-being, you’re surely ready to try some recipes where nutmeg really shines. Here are a couple to get you started:

Sweet Potato Gratin

Toss together sliced sweet potatoes with olive oil and salt. Cover them with foil and pop them in the oven. While they are baking, use cream, garlic, sage, pepper, and of course nutmeg, to create a tantalizing cream sauce. When the potatoes are finished baking, drizzle them with the cream sauce and garnish with some sage.

Spiced Oat Milk

This is a perfect beverage for any time of day, but it’s especially good to sip for a lighter dessert or before bed. Start by cooking some oats, hemp milk, and water on the stove and then stir in cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and honey before letting the concoction cool in the fridge for at least a couple of hours. After that, take out the cinnamon sticks and blend it up into a creamy, calming beverage. You can drink it cold or reheat it over the stove if you prefer a warm drink.

Sweet Potato Spanish Omelet

The traditional tortilla española—or Spanish tortilla—is a simple omelet made with caramelized onions and potatoes. Here, we've upped the flavor quotient by using sweet potatoes and adding a medley of spices like nutmeg, parsley, thyme, and a dash of salt and pepper. This recipe is a perfect brunch option and pairs well with a side of fresh fruit. Bonus: This version is perfectly Paleo-friendly!

More about Thrive Market products

At Thrive Market, our mission is to bring you the highest quality organic goods at truly affordable prices. That's why we've gone directly to the source to develop our own line of premium products made from the very best all-natural ingredients at a fraction of the usual price.

Finally, you don't need to choose between cost and quality, taste and health, value and your values. If it has the Thrive Market seal, you can trust that you're getting the highest quality product possible at the lowest price anywhere. Shop our premium, organic, and fair-trade certified virgin coconut oil, spices, nuts and dried fruit, tomato sauces, ghee, and sprouted grains today!

Thrive Market, Organic Ground Nutmeg