Silver nutmeg grater, England, 1800–1825. Victoria and Albert Museum no. M.1065-1927
Nutmeg grater

A nutmeg grater, also called a nutmeg rasp, is a device used to grate a nutmeg seed. Nutmeg graters are normally metal, cylindrical or half-cylindrical, the surface perforated with small rasped holes. The nutmeg is passed over the surface to grate. The grater may be combined with a compartment for storing the nutmeg seed between uses.[1]

In the late 17th century, nutmeg and nutmeg graters became associated with drinking punch, at that time a fashionable alcoholic beverage.[2] Through the 18th century, it was the fashion for men to carry nutmeg in a pocket-sized silver container equipped with a grater in order to add freshly grated nutmeg to punch.[3]

Nutmeg graters are a bartenders' tool, used for adding freshly grated nutmeg to hot toddies, eggnogs, and other drinks.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "Nutmeg Graters". CooksInfo. 18 February 2007. Updated 18 February 2007. Web. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
  2. ↑ Davis, John D. (2002). The Robert and Meredith Green Collection of Silver Nutmeg Graters. Introduction by Meredith W. Green. Williamsburg, Virginia: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. ISBN 0879352175.
  3. ↑ Victoria and Albert Museum. "Nutmeg grater by Robinson and Phipps". Retrieved 20 November 2012.
  4. ↑ Mautone, Nick; Stets, Marah (2004). Raising the Bar: Better Drinks Better Entertaining. New York: Artisan. p. 20. ISBN 9781579652609.
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