Aubergine

What is it? although we may think of it as a vegetable, did you know that it’s  actually a berry? though the dark oval shaped variety is the most common in the UK, aubergines grow  in a variety of sizes … Continue reading

Bell Peppers

Vitamins, Minerals & Phytochemicals Is ‘High In’: Beta-carotene (Pro-vitamin A) Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) Is a ‘Source’ of: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Also contains: Betacarotene (Carotenoids) Lutein (Carotenoids) Zeaxanthin (Carotenoids) Nutritional Information: 100g of red pepper (raw) typically contains 32 kcals 1g … Continue reading

Chickpeas

What are they?  Small, round seeds with a slightly nutty taste, they’re also known as pulses or legumes. Great in rustic Mediterranean stews with vegetables, couscous, rice or meat such as pork or chorizo Once cooked, they can be eaten … Continue reading

Chorizo

What is it? a versatile store cupboard ingredient-great for budget cooking as it’s packed full of flavour! it can be eaten thinly sliced as charcuterie or grilled, fried or cooked in a pot with other ingredients or served as a … Continue reading

Clams

Clams really are the ultimate fast food! They are low in calories and a terrific source of protein, calcium and iodine.  Iodine is an important mineral that contributes to the development of certain hormones which help to regulate your thyroid … Continue reading

Garlic

Garlic is one of the most characteristic ingredients of Mediterranean cooking. What would Italian, French, Greek or Spanish cooking be without it? What’s so great about it? It’s a cheap yet indispensible store cupboard ingredient which can transform the blandest … Continue reading

Olive oil

What is it? Olive oil is a liquid fat obtained from the olive. the olive tree and its fruits are an integral part of  the Mediterranean landscape and its culinary traditions. its origins can be traced back thousands of years, … Continue reading

Padrón Peppers

Padrón peppers (also known as Pimientos de Herbón) are unique small green peppers, which are around 4 to 5 cms long.  They take their name from the Padrón area of northwest Spain where they are grown. Apart from their diminutive size, … Continue reading

Pimentón

What is it? a red spice which adds a characteristic smoky flavour to Spanish cooking- paella and chorizo wouldn’t taste the same without it! it gives an orangey red colour to food.  the powder is made from red chili peppers … Continue reading

Pumpkin

Pumpkins are not vegetables but fruit and are highly versatile as they can be used in savoury as well as sweet recipes. Pumpkins are low in calories and sodium and high in calcium and fiber. They are good sources of … Continue reading

Saffron

What is it? the world’s most expensive spice which adds an orangey yellow colour and distinctive flavour to cooked dishes. Spain is one of the main consumers as well as producers of saffron. it is produced from the dried stigma … Continue reading