Glossary

Fig

Fig Pronounce it: fig Although not juicy, the fig is an incredibly luscious fruit, with a delicate aroma and sweet flavour. Originally from Asia, figs are now grown across the Mediterranean and there are hundreds…


Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut Pronounce it: sow-er-krowt A diet staple of Germany and much of Central Europe, this is finely sliced cabbage subjected to lactic-acid fermentation. The process begins by adding salt to prepared cabbage; this draws liquid…


Cabernet Sauvignon

Pronounce it: cab-er-nay sew-vin-yon The global classic Cabernet Sauvignon can fairly claim to be the most noble of the noble great varieties. Wherever in the world winemakers have wanted to produce their versions of the…


Garam masala

Garam masala Pronounce it: gar-am mah-sarl-ah Meaning ‘warming spice mix’, garam masala is the main spice blend used in North Indian cookery. There are many different versions, often dictated by region, but most contain a…


Noble grape

Noble grape Pronounce it: no-ble grayp In the competitive, commercial world of wine, some grape varieties are more equal than others – the traditional varietals of the classic grape growing regions – and these are…


Nigella (seed)

Nigella (seed)

Nigella (seed) Pronounce it: Ny-jellah One of the oldest spices known to be used, nigella seeds (n. sativa) were found in Tutankhamun’s tomb and are mentioned in the Bible’s Old Testament, although their use is…


Baking powder

Baking powder Pronounce it: bay-king pow-dah Baking powder is a raising agent that is commonly used in cake-making. It is made from an alkali, bicarbonate of soda, and an acid, cream of tartar, plus a…


Apple

Apple Pronounce it: ap-pel Grown in temperate regions, apples are one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits. There are over 7,000 varieties in existence, many of which are grown in Britain but, despite that,…


Cacao

Cacao Pronounce it: kak-ow Cacao, cocoa and chocolate are all produced from the seed pods of Theobroma cacao, a tree native to the tropics of Central and South America but now grown internationally, including in…


Swede

Swede

Swede Pronounce it: sw-ee-d A member of the cabbage family, the swede is often confused with the turnip, though they look quite different. It’s also known as yellow turnip, Swedish turnip and Russian turnip and,…