Nutmeg is the inner kernel of the fruit from an Evergreen Tree native to Moluccas, or the Spice Islands. The fruit is oval shaped and about an inch long with a tan brown color. The fruit is split open to reveal the seed, Nutmeg, which is wrapped in a bright red lacy covering called Mace. Both the Nutmeg and Mace have their own distinct flavors. Nutmeg is about 3/4 to 1 inch long and oval shaped with a flavor resembling that of Cardamom, Cinnamon, and Cloves. Both Nutmeg and Mace have a long history in Asian cooking. Nutmeg is a wonderful spice and Ground Nutmeg is much easier to use when cooking then its whole counterpart.