The nutmeg husk is wrapped in a lovely deep red lichen, mace, which is a desirable spice in its own right. Both mace and nutmeg are graded after drying (when their true quality can be properly judged). It's all in the colour apparently, the deeper the hue, the better. Top quality spice is used for seasoning, medium quality is used in the pharmaceutical industry, and the lowest quality is used in cosmetic products. The three grades of mace are visible here, in the corners of the platter. The mace has turned yellow upon drying.
