Fennel is a sweet, anise-flavoured herb, where the bulb, leaves and seeds are all used in different ways.  It is grown in the Mediterranean and heavily used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines, it's also used in many parts of the world and can be grown quite easily. When you hear what benefits ...

Nowadays following a diet that is more plant-based and focused on reducing consumption of animal products is a topic at the centre of attention. Accumulating evidence suggests that the benefits are far reaching, encompassing environmental, ethical and keep fit health benefits. For that reason, ...

Maca root, or lepidium meyenii, is a biennial plant (meaning it takes two years to complete its biological lifecycle) hailing from the high altitude regions of Peru and Bolivia. Although a member of the cruciferous family, maca is a root vegetable similar to the radish or turnip family, but grows ...

The sociable South American tradition of passing around a gourd of Yerba (‘herb’ in Spanish) mate leaves soaked in warm water has now developed into a health craze in the Western world. With the botanical name 'Ilex paraguariensis' a member of the holly family, Yerba mate is known for its ...

Chamomile is a daisy-like plant in the Asteraceae family native to western Europe, India and western Asia. There are many species of this plant, two of which include Matricaria chamomilla and Anthemis nobilis. This herb consumed as a tea has a flavour similar to that of apples and in addition to ...

The fruit of the ficus tree, part of the mulberry (or moraceae) family, figs have a an amazing reputation when it comes to keeping you healthy. When cut open, the sweet, soft and chewy fruit has a delicious red flesh and edible seeds. Figs come in many colours, textures, shapes and sizes and are ...

The Italian chocolatiers Vanini have brought out their new range of unique chocolates, with flavours including rosemary, pear and cinnamon, and lemon and pink pepper. A stand out ethically focussed company, Vanini place emphasis on transparency and corporate social responsibility in addition to ...

Mint is known to have originated in the Asian and Mediterranean regions of the world. It was originally used to treat stomach aches and mild chest pains; it is now enjoyed in a countless range of teas, confectionery and culinary dishes. While it is normally used a garnish, the herb is also potent ...

The past few years have seen the well-known 'superfood' Spirulina continue to rise in popularity, and with good reason. Spirulina was a food source for the Aztecs in Mexico, with records of it yielding from Lake Texcoco as described by one of Cortés' soldiers. It is a form of bacteria known as ...

Believed to have originated from the tropical Sunda islands and the Moluccas of Indonesia, the purple, distinctively fragrant, mangosteen (or ‘Garcinia mangostana’) is not only rich in colour and flavour but abundant in potent health properties too. Sweet, sour and delicately aromatic, it is one of ...