Mace is the membrane covering the nutmeg seed, which, after being dried and pulverized, is used in cooking as a spice. It has a pink-orange color and an intense scent of nutmeg, given by the presence of particular essential oils.

Mace is usally sold in powder, therefore it should not be stored for long time since it loses quickly its flavour. This spice can be used instead of nutmeg as well as in the preparation of cured meats and spice mixtures such as curry.