Leek
Leek Pronounce it: lee-k Like garlic and onion, leeks are a member of the allium family, but have their own distinct flavour – quite harsh when raw (only very young leeks are eaten this way)…
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Linseed (also flaxseed)
Linseed (also flaxseed) Pronounce it: lin-seed Linseed is the small, reddish-brown or golden-yellow seed of the common flax plant, linum usitatissimum, exactly the same plant as is used to grow the fibre from which true…
Lemon
Lemon Pronounce it: le-mon Oval in shape, with a pronouced bulge on one end, lemons are one of the most versatile fruits around, and contain a high level of Vitamin C. Although the juicy yellow…
Lettuce
Lettuce Pronounce it: lett-iss Lettuce are available in a vast number of varieties, and are either crisp or floppy, growing from a central stalk to form a spherical or lozenge-like head. Most of them have…
Lemon grass
Lemon grass Pronounce it: le-mon gra-ss Although lemon grass is central to Asian cuisine, especially Thai, it works well in Western dishes, too. This mixing of flavours is sometimes called ‘fusion’. Also called citronella or…
Lime leaf
Lime leaf Pronounce it: ly-m leef Lime leaves are obtained from the kaffir lime, which is not a true lime at all but rather a subspecies of the citrus family. Used widely in south-east Asian…
Lamb’s lettuce
Lamb’s lettuce Pronounce it: lams lett-ess Sometimes known as Corn Salad, lamb’s lettuce has long spoon-shaped dark leaves and a distinctive, tangy flavour. It is used raw in salads as well as steamed and served…
Lentils
Lentils Pronounce it: len-til The lentil plant (Lens Culinaris) originates from Asia and North Africa and is one of our oldest sources of food. A cousin to the pea and a rich provider of protein…
Lime
Lime Pronounce it: ly-m The same shape, but smaller than lemons, with a bright green, fairly smooth skin, limes are a highly aromatic fruit. Limes are an important ingredient in Mexican, Indian, Latin American and…
Loganberry
Loganberry Pronounce it: low-ghin berree This summer berry is a cross between the red raspberry and the blackberry and was developed, by accident some say, in 1861 in Santa Cruz, California. The berry is a…