Use
Native to Indonesia, nutmeg was a highly coveted spice in the colonial world. Thought to be a powerful cure-all, nutmeg was commonly used in medicinal recipes. The spice was also used to flavor alcoholic punches, and its possession served as an indicator of financial status. Wealthy people often carried bits of nutmeg in small personal graters to social outings. These graters were often ornate and were typically made of intricately carved wood or a more lavish material, like silver. Due to its large size, this grinder remained in the home as opposed to being carried on one’s person.
