Saffron
Saffron Pronounce it: sah-fron The stigma of a type of crocus, saffron threads have a pungent and distinctive aroma and flavour – slightly bitter, a little musty, and with a suggestion of something floral. It’s…
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Salsify
Salsify Pronounce it: sal-suhf-eye A root vegetable belonging to the dandelion family, salsify is also known as the oyster plant because of its oystery taste when cooked. The root is similar in appearance to a…
Seaweed
Seaweed Pronounce it: see-weed No matter what the shape or size, and whatever their colour, which ranges from red to black via golds and greens, seaweeds have a common background flavour that might be described…
Seitan
Seitan Pronounce it: say-tan Seitan (or wheat gluten) is pure gluten, vegetarian protein, extracted from several types of wheat flour by a kneading and rinsing process, after which it is boiled for some time before…
Semillon
Semillon Pronounce it: sem-ee-yon Chameleon grape Semillon is a gorgeously adaptable grape that makes one of the most unique dry white wines as well as appearing in some of the world’s most famous sweet wines….
Shallot
Shallot Pronounce it: shal-lot Related to the onion (as opposed to being a younger version of it), shallots grow in clusters at the leaf base. Most varieties are smaller than onions, have finer layers and…
Star anise
Star anise Pronounce it: star an-eese Star anise is one of the central spices in Chinese cooking. It has a strong anise flavour, with a liquorice-like aroma. The dominant flavour in Chinese five-spice powder, star…
Sorbet
Sorbet Pronounce it: saw-bay Sorbet is a non-dairy, frozen dessert based on puréed fruit or on fruit juice mixed with water and sugar. It should be very finely grained and have no large crystals of…
Spirulina
Spirulina Pronounce it: spih-ruh-leenah Spirulina is a freshwater algae or seaweed that grows naturally in tropical and sub-tropical lakes. Historically used as a food by native South American people, it fell into disuse for many…
Spring greens
Spring greens Pronounce it: sp-ring gr-eens Spring greens are the first cabbages of the year. They have fresh, loose heads without the hard heart of other cabbages. Availability Spring greens are at their peak from…