Grown on lush, green trees in the south eastern and south central regions of America and Mexico pecans have an impressive nutrition content. This small nut is filled with 11 essential vitamins and minerals and healthy fats, which are important for optimum health. Read on below for our Top 5 Health ...

Passion fruit originates from South America (Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina) and is part of the psychedelic, funky-looking ‘Passiflora’ family – recognised for both its delectable culinary qualities, as well as its potent medicinal value. It is now cultivated in the majority of temperate, warmer ...

Vanilla is a secret ingredient flavouring our foods and beverages and is also present in many perfumes. This spice derives from the orchid family of the genus Vanilla, which is native to Mexico. The distinctive flavour and fragrance has made it a staple addition to sweet and savoury dishes and the ...

Buckwheat is a pseudo grain - it has grain-like properties but is not a grain. Also, it has no relation to wheat as the name suggests. In Europe, countries like Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine are large producers of buckwheat. Similarly, Russia, the United States and China are main global buckwheat ...

With the showery spring now well established and summer approaching, you may be keen to incorporate some alternative fresh, new ingredients into your diet. Part of the Sapindaceae family (also responsible for maple and rambutan) the Chinese originated lychee has been utilised as much in traditional ...

Aloe Vera is one of the most popular plants being widely used for its remarkable medicinal properties and variety of health benefits. Being a plant species of the genus Aloe and from the lily family, the green cactus-like plant holds a sticky translucent gel that is used often in skin and beauty ...

With watermelon season nearly upon us, it’s time to acknowledge and share the numerous benefits of this incredible fruit. Known as 'Citrullus lanatus' from the Cucurbitaceae family and originating in the southern parts of Africa, over time, people have debated whether it is actually a fruit or ...

Eggplant, otherwise known as aubergine or brinjal, is a deep, purple glossy pear-shaped vegetable. It belongs to the nightshade family of vegetables which include tomatoes, bell peppers and potatoes. There are many different varieties that all differ slightly in taste, texture and, one can describe ...

Sweet potatoes are readily available, inexpensive, tasty and very good for you. If you thought that chips can't be good for your cardiovascular system and blood pressure, well, the sweet potato variety is at your rescue  read on for our Top 5 Health Benefits of Sweet Potato! 1. Blood sugar ...

Cucumber is the 4th most cultivated fruit (yes, it’s actually a fruit! classed in the same family as melons and squash) in the world, and despite originating from the hot climate of India, is of course grown in a variety of climates, including Britain. With 96% of the cucumber’s weight comprising ...