Mace Powder 101: Nutrition, Benefits, How To Use, Buy, Store | Mace Powder: A Complete Guide

What is Mace Powder

Mace powder comes from the outer covering of the nutmeg seed. It’s like a thin, lacy shell that wraps around the seed, and when it’s dried out, it turns into the spice we know as mace. The process of getting mace involves carefully peeling off this layer, drying it, and grinding it into a fine powder. Mace has a warm, slightly sweet flavor, and it’s often used in baking, cooking, or even in drinks like mulled wine. It’s similar to nutmeg, but it has a lighter, more delicate taste. You might find it in pumpkin pies, spice cakes, or savory dishes like soups and stews. The powder is pretty strong, so just a little bit goes a long way. Some people also use it for its health benefits, like helping with digestion or easing pain, but it’s mostly popular for its unique taste.

Other Names of Mace Powder

Mace powder is known by a few other names, depending on where you are or who you’re talking to. Here’s a list of some of the common ones:

1. Flower of Nutmeg – This name comes from the fact that mace is actually the outer covering of the nutmeg seed. So, it’s like the “flower” of the nutmeg.
2. Aril – This is the technical name for the spice. It refers to the red, lacy covering that grows around the nutmeg seed before it’s dried out and ground into powder.
3. Mace Spice – Sometimes, people just call it mace spice to make it clearer that it’s the powdered form used in cooking and baking.
4. Javitri – In some parts of India, mace is called Javitri. It’s commonly used in Indian cooking and traditional medicine.
5. Nutmeg Blossom – This name also links back to its nutmeg origins, since it’s the flower-like skin of the nutmeg seed.

Each of these names refers to the same thing, but they all carry a little different meaning or come from different cultural or technical backgrounds.

Nutritional Value of Mace Powder

The nutritional content of mace powder can vary, but here is an approximate representation of its nutritional value per 100 grams:

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	475 kcal
Total Fat	32.38 g
– Saturated Fat	21.77 g
– Monounsaturated Fat	6.51 g
– Polyunsaturated Fat	1.18 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	148 mg
Potassium	529 mg
Total Carbohydrates	50.5 g
– Dietary Fiber	20.2 g
– Sugars	1.68 g
Protein	6.71 g
Vitamin A	6 µg (1%)
Vitamin C	21 mg (35%)
Calcium	252 mg (25%)
Iron	14.01 mg (78%)
Magnesium	76 mg (19%)
Phosphorus	110 mg (16%)
Zinc	2.15 mg (21%)

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the source and processing of mace powder. It’s worth noting that while mace powder contributes some nutritional elements, it is often used in relatively small quantities in cooking due to its potent flavor. As with any spice or herb, the nutritional impact of mace should be considered as part of the overall diet.

Benefits of Mace Powder

Mace powder isn’t just great for adding flavor to food, it also has some benefits that might surprise you. Here’s a list of the main ones:

1. Improves Digestion – Mace is known to help with stomach issues like indigestion or bloating. It can help stimulate the digestive system, making it easier to process food.
2. Relieves Pain – Some people use mace for its natural pain-relieving properties. It’s sometimes used in traditional medicine to ease things like headaches or toothaches.
3. Boosts Blood Circulation – Mace can help improve blood flow, which is good for your heart and overall health. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are getting to where they’re needed in your body.
4. Fights Inflammation – Mace has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can be helpful for reducing swelling and inflammation in your body, especially in the joints.
5. Supports Mental Health – There’s some evidence that mace might help reduce stress and anxiety. It’s believed to have calming effects, which could help you feel more relaxed.
6. Good for Skin – Some people use mace powder to treat skin problems. It has antibacterial properties, which may help clear up acne or other minor skin infections.
7. Helps with Sleep – Since mace has a calming effect, it might also help you sleep better. It’s sometimes used in teas or other nighttime remedies to promote relaxation.

So, while it’s mostly used to season food, mace powder has a bunch of benefits that can help keep you feeling good both inside and out.

Varieties of Mace Powder

Mace powder comes in a couple of different varieties, depending on how it’s processed and where it’s from. Here’s a list of the main types you might come across:

1. Ground Mace – This is the most common form you’ll find in stores. It’s made by grinding the dried outer covering of the nutmeg seed into a fine powder. It’s easy to use and perfect for adding to your favorite recipes.
2. Whole Mace – Sometimes, you can find whole pieces of mace, which are like dried lacey shells around the nutmeg seed. You can grind it yourself at home to get a fresher, more intense flavor. It’s often used in traditional recipes where you need a stronger spice flavor.
3. Organic Mace – If you’re looking for a more natural option, organic mace is grown without chemicals or synthetic fertilizers. It’s a great choice for those who want to keep things as pure as possible in their cooking.
4. Sweet Mace – This variety has a slightly sweeter taste than regular mace, and it’s often used in desserts and baking. It’s got that same warm flavor but with a more noticeable sweetness, making it perfect for things like cakes or spiced cookies.
5. Red Mace – This refers to the fresh, unprocessed version of mace, which is bright red in color before it’s dried. It’s harder to find because it needs to be processed soon after harvesting, but it has a more vibrant flavor compared to the dried versions.

Each type of mace powder can give a slightly different taste, so it’s fun to experiment and find which one you like best in your cooking.

What Does Mace Powder Taste Like

Mace powder has a flavor that’s kind of like nutmeg, but a bit lighter and more delicate. It’s warm and slightly sweet, with hints of citrus and a mild spiciness. It doesn’t have the same strong kick that some spices do, so it’s perfect if you want a more subtle flavor in your dishes. When you taste it, you might notice it’s a bit more floral, with a smooth, almost creamy aftertaste. People often use it in baking, especially in things like pies, cakes, and cookies, but it can also be added to savory dishes, like soups or stews, to give them a richer, fuller flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Just a little bit can really make a dish pop.

How to Make Mace Powder

Making your own mace powder at home is easier than you might think, and it can give you a fresher, more flavorful spice. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Get Whole Mace – First, you’ll need whole mace, which is the dried outer covering of the nutmeg seed. You can find whole mace at spice stores or online. It looks like a reddish, lacy shell around the seed. If you already have ground mace, you’re good to go, but whole mace will give you a fresher flavor.
2. Break the Mace into Pieces – Once you have the whole mace, break it into smaller pieces. You don’t need to worry about being too precise, just enough to make it easier to grind. Be gentle, as it can be a bit fragile, and you don’t want to end up with powder all over the place before you even start.
3. Grind the Mace – Now it’s time to grind it up into powder. You can use a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or a mortar and pestle for this step. A grinder will give you a fine, even powder, while a mortar and pestle will give you a slightly coarser texture. If you don’t have either, a small food processor can also work, though it might not get as fine of a powder.
4. Grind in Small Batches – If you’re using a grinder, it’s best to grind the mace in small batches to avoid overloading the machine and to get a smoother consistency. Just pulse the grinder a few times, checking the texture every so often. Be careful not to grind it too long, or it might heat up and lose some of its flavor.
5. Store the Powder Properly – Once you’ve ground the mace, transfer it to an airtight container right away to keep it from losing its flavor. Store it in a cool, dark place to preserve its aroma and keep it fresh for as long as possible.
6. Use It Right Away (Optional) – If you want to get the most flavor, use your freshly ground mace immediately in your recipes. Ground mace loses its potency faster than whole mace, so using it soon after grinding ensures you get that nice, strong flavor in your dishes.

Making mace powder at home is a simple way to get a fresher, more aromatic spice than what you might find in pre-ground jars. Plus, it’s kind of fun to do, and it adds a little extra homemade touch to your cooking.

How To Use Mace Powder

Mace powder is super versatile, and you can use it in all kinds of dishes. Here’s a list of ways to bring out its unique flavor:

1. In Baked Goods – Mace is a great addition to cakes, pies, and cookies. It’s perfect for spiced desserts like pumpkin pie, gingerbread, or spice cakes. Just add a pinch to your batter or dough to get that warm, sweet flavor.
2. In Savory Dishes – While it’s often used in sweet recipes, mace can also spice up savory dishes. Try adding it to soups, stews, or curries to give them a little depth without overpowering the other flavors. It works especially well in creamy dishes like chowders.
3. In Beverages – You can sprinkle some mace powder into hot drinks like mulled wine, cider, or even coffee. It gives a nice warmth and a subtle sweetness, making it perfect for cozy, cold weather drinks.
4. In Spice Mixes – Mace is often part of spice blends like garam masala or pumpkin spice mix. You can use it along with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to create your own homemade mix for various dishes.
5. In Sauces – Mace can be added to sauces like béchamel or white sauce, adding a soft, aromatic flavor. It’s especially great in dishes like mac and cheese or creamy pasta.
6. In Tea – A pinch of mace powder in your tea can add an interesting twist. You can mix it with other spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a spiced tea that’s perfect for relaxing.
7. In Rice Dishes – Adding a little mace to rice pilafs or risottos can bring a lovely fragrance and depth to the dish, making it feel a bit more special.

You don’t need a lot of mace to make an impact. A small pinch goes a long way, so always start with a little and adjust based on your taste.

Substitute for Mace Powder

If you don’t have mace powder on hand or just can’t find it, there are a few good substitutes you can use. Here’s a list of the best options:

1. Nutmeg – Nutmeg is the closest and most common substitute for mace since they come from the same nutmeg seed. It has a similar warm, sweet flavor, though it’s a bit stronger. If you’re using nutmeg instead of mace, just use a little less, since it can be more potent.
2. Allspice – Allspice is another good option because it has a warm, slightly sweet flavor that’s close to mace. It’s a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, so it can work in both sweet and savory dishes. You can use it in a 1:1 ratio to replace mace.
3. Cinnamon – If you don’t mind a slight twist in flavor, cinnamon can work as a substitute. It’s spicier than mace but still gives a warm, comforting flavor to your dishes. You might want to use a bit less cinnamon than you would mace since it’s a bit stronger.
4. Cloves – Ground cloves can also stand in for mace. Cloves have a strong, spicy flavor, so they’re best used in smaller amounts. They add a similar warmth and depth, especially to sweet recipes like pies and cakes.
5. Pumpkin Spice – If you happen to have pumpkin spice on hand, it can be a great stand-in for mace. Since pumpkin spice already contains mace (along with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves), it’s a perfect match. Just make sure to use it sparingly because of the other spices mixed in.
6. Cardamom – Cardamom is a bit more unique but still works well as a mace substitute, especially in things like tea or spiced desserts. It has a floral, citrusy flavor with a touch of sweetness, which can mimic the delicate nature of mace.

Each of these substitutes will give you a slightly different twist, but they’ll still keep your dish flavorful and aromatic. Just remember to start with a small amount and taste as you go, so you don’t overpower your recipe.

Where to Buy Mace Powder

If you’re looking to buy mace powder, there are a few places you can check out, both online and in stores. Here’s a list of where to find it:

1. Local Grocery Stores – Some larger grocery stores, especially ones with a good spice section, carry mace powder. Stores like Whole Foods, Walmart, or Safeway might have it in their spice aisles, though it can sometimes be a little harder to find. It’s often sold in small bottles or jars.
2. Specialty Food Stores – If you live near a store that focuses on international or gourmet foods, you’ll probably have better luck finding mace powder there. Stores that sell Indian, Middle Eastern, or Caribbean products may have it because mace is used in many of those cuisines.
3. Online Retailers – If you can’t find it locally, shopping online is always a good option. Websites like Amazon, eBay, or iHerb offer mace powder, and you can usually find different brands and options. Shopping online makes it easy to compare prices and read reviews before you buy.
4. Spice Shops – Some spice stores, either in person or online, specialize in selling high-quality spices like mace. Shops like Penzeys or Spice Jungle offer a wide variety of spices, and you can often find mace powder in their selection.
5. Health Food Stores – Stores that sell organic or natural products, like Trader Joe’s or local health food markets, may also carry mace powder, especially if they have a focus on whole or less-processed foods.
6. Ethnic Markets – If you live near an ethnic market, especially one that focuses on Indian or Southeast Asian foods, there’s a good chance they’ll have mace. These markets often stock spices that are harder to find in regular grocery stores.

Mace powder isn’t always the easiest to find, but these options should give you a good start. And if you’re willing to wait, online shopping might be the best way to get it delivered right to your door.

How To Store Mace Powder

Storing mace powder properly is important if you want it to stay fresh and keep its flavor. Here’s a list of tips for storing it the right way:

1. Airtight Container – Mace powder, like other spices, can lose its potency quickly if exposed to air. The best way to preserve its rich, warm flavor is by keeping it in an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are ideal because they don’t allow any air in. Plastic containers can work too, but make sure the lid seals tightly. If you’re using a container with a screw-on lid, make sure it’s not cracked or damaged, as even small openings can let air in, which will cause the flavor to fade faster.
2. Cool and Dark Storage Area – Spices are sensitive to both heat and light. Heat can make the essential oils in mace evaporate, which reduces its flavor, and light can cause it to lose its color and aroma. The best place to store mace powder is in a cool, dry area, away from any heat sources like the stove, oven, or microwave. A pantry, kitchen cupboard, or spice drawer is a perfect choice. If you store it near a window, the sunlight might degrade its quality, so make sure it’s in a place that stays dark and stays at a stable temperature.
3. Avoid Humidity and Moisture – Moisture is one of the worst enemies of mace powder because it can cause clumping or even mold to form. Make sure the container you store it in stays dry at all times. For example, don’t store it near a sink or anywhere it might get splashed with water. If you’re in a humid environment, consider using silica gel packs or moisture-absorbing packets in the storage area to reduce any humidity.
4. Keep It Away from Strong Odors – Spices tend to absorb other odors in their environment, so it’s important to store mace powder away from strong-smelling foods, chemicals, or cleaners. For example, if you store your mace near garlic, onions, or cleaning supplies, the powder might pick up unwanted smells. Try to keep your spice storage area dedicated only to spices to avoid this problem.
5. Limit Exposure to Air – Every time you open the container, the mace is exposed to air, which can cause it to lose some of its freshness. To minimize this, consider transferring your mace powder to smaller containers for easy access. This way, you don’t have to open the original jar each time you use it, and you keep most of it sealed up tight.
6. Check Expiry Dates and Freshness – Mace powder doesn’t go bad in the same way fresh produce does, but over time, it can lose its strength. Even with airtight storage, ground mace will start to lose its flavor after 6 months to a year. It’s a good idea to keep track of when you bought it and label the container with the date so you know when it’s time to replace it. If your mace powder loses its aroma or flavor, it’s time to get a new batch.
7. Whole Mace vs Ground Mace – Whole mace (the outer covering of the nutmeg seed) lasts much longer than ground mace because it’s less exposed to air. If you buy whole mace, you can grind it yourself whenever you need it, which will keep the oils and flavor intact for a longer period. A simple spice grinder or mortar and pestle will do the trick, and this way, you can enjoy the freshest taste whenever you need it.
8. Proper Temperature – Mace powder should ideally be stored in a temperature range between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Any hotter than that, and you risk accelerating the breakdown of its natural oils. Too cold, and it might lose some of its aroma when used in cooking. It’s best to keep it in a place that maintains a stable, mild temperature.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to preserve the full flavor and aroma of mace powder for months, making sure every pinch you add to your dishes is as fresh as the first time you opened the jar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)