Mace, spice consisting of the dried aril, or lacy covering, of the nutmeg fruit of Myristica fragrans, a tropical evergreen tree. Mace has a slightly warm taste and a fragrance similar to that of nutmeg. It is used to flavor bakery, meat, and fish dishes; to flavor sauces and vegetables; and in preserving and pickling. In the processing of mace, the crimson-colored aril is removed from the nutmeg that it envelops and is flattened out and dried for 10 to 14 days; its colour changes to pale yellow, orange, or tan. Whole dry mace consists of flat piecesâ??branched or segmented, smooth, horny, and brittleâ??about 40 mm (1.6 inches) long.