Nutmeg

Nutmeg is the seed of the nutmeg tree, a warm, slightly sweet spice used in kitchens around the world. It is usually grated just before use or used ground, and a little goes a long way. In Lebanese and Middle Eastern cooking, nutmeg often goes into spice mixes for meat dishes, kibbeh and stuffed vegetables, and it is a classic touch in béchamel sauce. It is also added to rice dishes, soups and baked goods such as cakes and biscuits. A small pinch is enough to round out the flavour of both savoury and sweet recipes. You can find nutmeg on the shelf at Dekenet Al Nes in Baaqline, in the Chouf, a package-free grocery store where customers are encouraged to bring their own containers and refill the essentials they need, helping to cut plastic waste and single-use packaging.