Fresh Nutmeg vs Ground

Freshly grated nutmeg is noticeably superior to pre-ground in baked goods where the spice plays a prominent role. Whole nutmeg contains volatile aromatic oils that begin to dissipate the moment the spice is ground, so pre-ground nutmeg from a jar has already lost much of its complexity by the time it reaches your batter. Freshly grated nutmeg delivers a warmer, more nuanced flavour with floral and slightly peppery notes that pre-ground simply cannot match. A whole nutmeg and a fine grater or microplane costs very little and a single nut lasts through dozens of recipes. For this cheesecake, where nutmeg is one of only two flavouring ingredients alongside vanilla, the difference between fresh and ground is immediately apparent in the finished bake.