Papaya
Papaya Pronounce it: pa-pie-ah Native to tropical America, papayas are a large fruit also known as paw-paws. They have vibrant pinky-orange flesh and a sweet, juicy flavour similar to peach. Though their grey shiny seeds…
Glossary
Redcurrant
Redcurrant Pronounce it: red-cur-rant These shiny little berries grow low on bushes, hanging from the branches like rows of miniature gems. Their flavour is a little tart but they’re still sweet enough to be eaten…
Pasta
Pasta Pronounce it: pah-stah Pasta is the Italian name for Italy’s version of a basic foodstuff which is made in many countries by mixing a fine flour of ground grain with water to create a…
Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah / Shiraz Pronounce it: sirrah / shih-raz International celebrity The northern Rhone is the traditional home of Syrah, where it is renowned in the wines of Hermitage, Cote-Rotie and Cornas. In the Southern Rhone…
Prosecco
Prosecco Pronounce it: proh-sekk-oh Bubbling Prosecco is now one of the UK’s most popular alcoholic drinks. Not all varieties deliver profound lasting flavours and the bubbles may dissapear quickly, but this sparkling white wine’s production cost…
Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris Pronounce it: pee-no gree Wine bar favourite While the grape is basically the same, wines that call themselves Pinot Gris are usually richer in the elegant Alsace (French) style. A wine that calls…
Pecan
Pecan Pronounce it: pee-kan Related to the walnut, pecans are native to America, and grow enclosed in a glossy, browny-red oval shell. The kernel inside shares the walnut’s trademark grooved surface but has a slightly…
Asafoetida
Asafoetida Pronounce it: Ass-a-feh-te-dah/Ass-a-feh-tee-dah This is a gum from a variety of giant fennel, which naturally has a horrid and offensive smell, rather like rotting garlic, as in foetid. Yet it is considered the most…
Agave syrup
Agave syrup Agave syrup (also known as agave nectar) is a naturally occurring sweetener similar in consistency to honey, although slightly thinner. It is extracted from various species of the agave plant, which grows mainly…
Grenache
Grenache Pronounce it: gren-ash Bold, fruity, alcoholic Grenache is the flavour of summer holidays. In France and Spain, it makes juicy rosés, ideal served chilled. It is also a key part of the Rhone blends…