I was so happy to be enlightened to the joy of freshly ground nutmeg that I never really thought about the seeds themselves. I just buy any reputable brand. Is there really a difference? Amazon has many different brands, and every one I saw had high ratings. Leads me to think the greatest differences are quantity and price. I’ll be interested to see other responses.

FOS: I have found that the rating number doesn't always tell me the whole story. I get much more info reading the reviews and questions. When I read the same problem being repeated in a review I pay attention. Some of the nutmeg reviews indicate old, very small, dried up, kerosene smelling (which someone on this forum complained of) no flavor, etc. I just thought someone on here probably orders these and could recommend a good, reliable source. And I would rather support a small business than Amazon, if possible.

I use MountainRoseHerb and Kalustyan's.

Links, HERE and HERE

Interesting from MRH,

The nutmeg tree is a native of the Banda Islands, a cluster of small volcanic islands historically known as the Spice Islands and now part of the province of Molucca in Indonesia. Nutmeg isn't really a nut, but the kernel of an apricot-like fruit.

Thanks for the details, LG, good to know, I’ve never experienced any of the above. The shelf life is several years so I’m surprised to hear “old”. I kind of like the smell of kerosene but not in my food! Mine is sold under a store brand (Fairway) but the label says it comes from Vann’s Spices in MD. I used to buy from Penzey’s when then were still local. I’d have to think they’re a safe bet.

I don't use a lot of nutmeg, and so one jar of whole nutmeg last me quite a while. I use it mainly in eggnog and with apple dishes, but never with spinach. I will use tiny amounts in Lebanese meat dishes, but I don't like the flavor to be at all pronounced. I bought mine from Amazon, but I don't remember the brand and don't have it with me here.

I think cashews also are not really nuts, and they are part of an edible fruit, but the fruit does not taste all that good. I had some in Brazil and didn't like it. It was very tart and somewhat acrid.

I agree that Spice House and Penzey's are reliable. I'm not sure if Penzey's is back open. I'm pretty sure they closed for mail awhile ago, due to the virus. One of the best places to buy whole spices, if they're open, is popular (i.e., a good amount of sell throuhg) Indian markets. The bulk ground spices can be a crap shoot, but the whole ones are usually as fresh as can be found and inexpensive.

In former times, I'd go local and sniff the goods. :)

Penzey has recently started shipping again. They are shipping orders as received, starting with orders received before they shut down.

Penzeys or the Spice House. I use both (sometimes one has an uncommon spice that the other doesn't carry) and their spices are top quality.

Penzeys website says they have just started shipping again after a 3-week shutdown for social distancing. They say they have a back-log but won't charge your card until the order ships.

Penzey's has nice fresh whole nutmegs. They are good size and grind very well in my nutmeg grinder. Seriously better quality than grocery store brands IMHO. I'm almost out and have another bag in my Penzey's order queued up for shipping now that they're back. They also sell bags of Mace, the dried aril coating of the Nutmeg fruit.

like people carry buckeyes for good luck, I have been known to carry a whole nutmeg in my pocket ... beat that McGuyver

We go through a lot of nutmeg as we use it in our daily oatmeal, as well as using in baking, etc. I haven't started carrying it around yet, Bragu!

I'm glad to hear so many of you recommend Penzeys and the Spice House. And glad to learn of Kalustyans and Mountain Rose Herbs, Sleevendog.

In looking at the four sites, they all look good. It would be hard to choose, but looks like two have delayed deliveries and some spices out of stock, so availability and delivery time will make my decision this time.

Thanks for all of your responses.

I bought a little bag at penzey's and it has lasted a LONG time. maybe 4-6 in a bag. not even on my third nut yet [don't take that out of context]

I've ordered from all the above mentioned mail order spice merchants. All goods were excellent and excellent reliability as far as customer service. As for Amazon, although I have no proof, I think they are selling a lot of "seconds" items and since most folks aren't that picky or won't bother returning it, they get away with it. I am very cautious about what I will order from them now. A reputable spice merchant is obviously a better bet. I've even gotten some defective books from Amazon, they just credited me so obviously they write off a lot of defective merchandise they send out. They also censor their reviews so you can't publicize your problems.

I just placed a small order with these folks. When/if I get my order I'll let y'all know what I think.

https://www.myspicesage.com/

Another recommend for Penzeys....and they have a store near me....if we can ever shop again.
Dried up nutmeg?? Nutmeg is the definition of dried up....it's hard like wood. There are tales of early sales men selling wooden nutmegs.
When I was on a cruise in the Indian ocean some of the stops were in the Comoros and we saw nutmeg growing. one of the guides snapped off a branch with the fruit still on it. It was pretty dry by the time we were done with the cruise, so I stashed it in my luggage and probably illegally, brought it home and when it was really dry I took the seed out and put it in my nutmeg jar!!

The order from My Spice Sage came today!

I received my order from Penzys last week. Good quality products.

I'm another fan of Penzey's, there is a store about 50 miles away, when stores were still open I went there regularly. I also buy some of the more "exotic" spices from the Mediterranean Market, they are far less expensive and they have such a big turnover they are fresh. I've never seen nutmeg or cinnamon there but they have turmeric and curry and Chinese 5 spice, and being a "grocery" they are still open (although I haven't gone there during this virus lockdown).

I still have that quart jar of sumac that I "foraged" and dried and lots of dried herbs that I grew last year, I even have quite a lot of dehydrated garlic, I give it a whiz in an old coffee grinder to make powder...

Annie

I order spices through Penzey's, or Savory Spice Shop, or Kalustyan's (the latter for often the most obscure things)

Penzy's is my go to. I love their spices and their business model.