nutmeg spice crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "nutmeg spice" in your crossword, you've come to the right place. We've compiled the most likely answers, complete with explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "nutmeg spice crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MACE: The red, lacy aril that covers the nutmeg seed, often sold as a separate spice with a more delicate flavor. This is a very common and clever crossword answer for clues related to nutmeg.
6 Letters
NUTMEG: The seed itself, which is dried and ground into the popular spice. While it might seem redundant given the clue, some crosswords use direct terms.
More About "nutmeg spice crossword"
The clue "nutmeg spice" is interesting because it can point to two distinct yet related spices: nutmeg itself, and its lesser-known cousin, mace. Both come from the same fruit of the Myristica fragrans tree, native to the Moluccas, also known as the Spice Islands. Nutmeg is the kernel of the seed, while mace is the aril, a red, lacy covering around the seed.
In crosswords, constructors often use clues like "nutmeg spice" to test your knowledge of related terms. While "NUTMEG" is the most obvious answer, "MACE" is a classic crossword trick, designed to make you think beyond the literal. Mace has a more subtle, delicate, and slightly sweeter flavor than nutmeg, making it suitable for lighter dishes and baked goods where nutmeg might be too overpowering. Understanding this botanical connection can often unlock similar clues in future puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Alternatives: For clues involving a well-known item, always think about related components or byproducts. "Nutmeg spice" leading to MACE is a perfect example of this.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters provided in the grid is your biggest hint. If "nutmeg spice" doesn't fit your 4-letter slot, consider a direct synonym or related term for a longer slot.
- Think Broadly About Categories: If the clue points to a specific type of item (like a spice, a tool, or an animal), try to recall other members of that category that fit the given letter count.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between nutmeg and mace?
Nutmeg and mace both come from the same tree, Myristica fragrans. Nutmeg is the hard, inner seed, while mace is the lacy, reddish aril that surrounds the seed. Mace has a more delicate, subtle flavor than nutmeg.
Why is mace a common crossword answer for nutmeg-related clues?
Mace is a common crossword answer because it directly relates to nutmeg (coming from the same fruit) but is a distinct spice. This allows crossword constructors to create clever clues that hint at nutmeg but require the solver to think a step further about related terms or components.
Are there other spices often featured in crossword puzzles?
Yes, many spices are common in crosswords due to their unique names and connections. Examples include CUMIN, ANISE, CLOVE, OREGANO, SAGE, THYME, and PAPRIKA. Knowing various spices can be very helpful for solving puzzles.