Nutmeg is the seed of the tree, roughly egg-shaped and about 20 to 30 mm (0.8 to 1 in) long and 15 to 18 mm (0.6 to 0.7 in) wide, and weighing between 5 and 10 g (0.2 and 0.4 oz) dried, while mace is the dried lacy reddish covering or aril of the seed.

Nutmeg is usually used in powdered form.In Indian cuisine, nutmeg is used in many sweet as well as savoury dishes. It is known as jaiphal in most parts of India.