Nutmeg is the seed of a fruit and cinnamon is made from the bark of a tree. When purchased whole, both are easily identifiable as such. When ground, nutmeg is a speckled brown, coarse-grained powder, while cinnamon is usually finer in texture and a brighter rust color.

In terms of flavor, nutmeg is warm, aromatic and deeply woodsy with flavors of camphor and clove. Nutmeg often gives a subtle background lift to rich dishes like gratins and other rich, creamy dishes.

Cinnamon, while similarly aromatic with hints of clove, is more floral and sweeter than nutmeg. It has a brighter almost citrusy tinge. Cinnamon tends to stand out more than nutmeg in both sweet and savory dishes.