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.
[Nutmeg Graters. CooksInfo.com. Published 18 February 2007. Updated 18 February 2007. Web. Retrieved 20 November 2012 from http://www.cooksinfo.com/nutmeg-graters]
In the late 17th century, nutmeg and nutmeg graters became associated with drinking
punch, at that time a fashionable alcoholic beverage.
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.
Nutmeg graters are a bartenders' tool, used for adding freshly grated nutmeg to
hot toddies,
eggnogs, and other drinks.
References
Food preparation utensils
Bartending equipment
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