The mono-unsaturated fatty acids traditionally reduce the level of bad cholestrol preventing heart disease and resist cancer causing agents. Extra virgin olive oil is produced only in small quantities It is the most expensive and prized oil for its superb flavour and aroma. It’s acidity level is no >1% and can vary in colour from pale green to deep yellow. The latter being the most expensive.
Reputed in ancient Mesopotamia to cure virtually everything. An exceptionally strong antioxidant and full of anti-cancer agents. Onion is known to fight asthma and is a sedative.
Garlic
has reputedly protective powers against magic, protects newborn infants, used
by pharoahs on journeys into the afterlife. Indians still
use it as a base for many medicines in their 5,000year old system of ayurvedic.
According to Homer it was also used as an aphrodisiac by Odysseus.
It has remarkable medicinal properties, a natural and powerful antiseptic.
Contains Vitamins A, B, C, copper, sulfur, manganese, iron and calcium
making it a valuable tonic for cells and glands.
Cleanses the intestines to help lower blood pressure, ward of colds,
ease chest congestion and alleviate rhumetism.
Raw juices are used to prevent wounds turning septic.
Many with sinus problems and hayfever have been helped by taking garlic. Garlic has a remarkable effect on clearing
the complexion leaving it clear and unblemished. It is said to be beneficial for general aging sympoms and hardening
of arteries.
Ginger tones up the system, an anti-depressent and warms you up. The English held it as an aphrodisiac. Eases nausea and alleviates drowsiness. It is anti-inflammatory, eases arthritic pain and combats indigestion. It also helps thwart migraines and the strongest product available for anti-motion sickness. So powerful, astronauts are prescribed it.
First grew wild in the Amazon and forests of Mexico and made it’s way through to the carribean by travellers and traders. When it arrived in India it revolutionalised the cooking as previously mustard seed and peppercorns were the only means of heat. Chillies are measured in scoville units. 300,000 is the highest and is awarded to the Mexican habanero. We once ate these in Mexico and didnt stop laughing all afternoon. Chilli is known to increase your level of endorphins and make you feel good. A stimulant, it aids the digestion system. However, as with all highs there is a downside, damage to the mucous membranes if you overdo it. Bananas or dairy food are best eaten or drank with chilli if you like it hot.
A relative of the ginger family. Turmeric powder is produced from a lumpy orange fleshed rhizome on strong dark green pointed leaves. One of the most versatile and intriguing spice, it is a natural antiseptic, used in dyes and used especially in beauty. Flushes the whole body and radiates the skin. Turmeric lowers the cholestrol and combats brain disease. It's recently been recognised as a spice to combat alzheimer's. The curcumin in turmeric is also believed to defend against cancer cells.
Produced from sweet red peppers, their seeds and inner membrane is removed before being dried or ground. Growing wild in Mexico it was first bought to Europe by the Turkish. Being of pepper origin paprika is another stimulant.
A relative of the pea family and one of the oldest cultivated plants. Fenugreek has a distinct flavour and should be the key ingredient in Vindaloo ( We don’t make this though). Fenugreek has tonic properties and is principally a cleansing and soothing herb. Crushed seeds acts on the liver and intestinal tract, assisting the removal of stale and excess mucous from the body. It has been hailed as a miracle cure for arthritic pain. Crushed seeds make a health giving tea and is said to alleviate arthritis. Add a little lemon, lime or honey to reduce the bitter flavour. Fenugreek also has anti-diabetic powers, tends to lower blood pressure and helps to control surges in blood sugar and insulin. It’s aroma is hailed as an aphrodisiac. We always add Fenugreek to the lamb dishes.
Originating in the eastern mediterranean, it is the fruit that is used. It is the most delicate of Indian cookery spices. Cumin contains iron, minerals, vitamin A and C to name just a few. It’s medicinal properties are used to treat stomach pains and irritations.
“Like wafers made with honey”. (Exodus 16:31). A pretty nice way to describe the seed as it certainly is a magical spice. Likened to ‘life gateways’ the Chinese believed the seeds contained the power of immortality as well as growing in the hanging gardens of babylon. The seed is particularly effective with carbohydrates. It relieves dizziness and was once called ‘dizzycorn’. Coriander is believed to be good for purifying the blood and has been prescribed for kidney stones. It’s very easy to grow. Grow it as you would cress. In spring then autumn, on crumbly soft limey soil in 12mm deep drills, 30 cm apart. Keep it watered in a sunny and most importantly a sheltered position to keep the wind from it. Look after it well for the year and you’ll have several years of crop.
A native of China, controls the growth of harmful bacteria such as E-coli and salmonella. Can also help control blood sugar levels in diabetics by stimulating the production of glucose burning enzymes and boosting insulin effectiveness. It also works as a digestive and has a mild anti-coagulant activity.
Pepper!!!! It was once considered worth its weight in gold and is the most highly valued spice. The best comes from the Malabar coast of India, Kerala. So If anyone ever goes there be sure to comeback with a bagful for us. It is best used freshly ground as it loses its aromatic qualities. Pepper promotes health, acts as a stimulant, a carminative and has febrifugal powers. Excessive use will cause congestion of blood vessels, so we never put too much in our curry.
Rich in cineole, a potent antiseptic that sweetens the breath. Another relative to the ginger family, grown in the tropical climates.
A British and S. European native whose properties are digestive, used as an eyewash and a treatment for bronchial troubles. It is a colic suppressant and also sweetens the breath. Goes really great with vegetables. On midsummers eve hang it in your doorway to bring good luck, then follows midsummers day bringing in the first day of summer.
Cloves are buds of flowers of an evergreen tree. It was once as highly reagarded as black peppercorns, a true true luxury. And still today they are used moderatly for its flavour. Known to combat toothache. It’s eugenol property has an anti-inflammatory against rheumatic diseases.
Contains oils, acids and resins making it an amazing skin beauty ingredient. A soothing herb it controls hysteria because it is mildly narcotic. Bayleaf has been considered to be good luck and laurels of it are awarded to scholars and poets in honour.
Known to quicken the spirit. The seed is known to be used to relieve chest congestion and rheumatism. Known for its alkaline properties, you can use the crop to counteract damaged over acidic soil. But don’t continually plant it as it will deplete the soil, as with all pickmeups there will be comedowns so don’t overdo it. Apparently the seed crushed with honey gets rid of scabby, rough skin and marks and at the same time uplifts the spirit. A native of Southern Europe it has a volatile heat on the tongue.
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