The Spice Shop

Balm of Gilead, 50g The “balm of Gilead” (Genesis 37:25; Jeremiah 8:22), used medicinally in antiquity, was the mastic obtained from Pistachia lentiscus; it now commonly refers to buds of a species of North American poplar (Populus) used to make cough syrups. Unit price: £3.99 (approx. €4.47)

Chamomile Flowers, 50g Unit price: £2.45 (approx. €2.74)

Cola Nuts, 50g Unit price: £2.25 (approx. €2.52)

Frankincense Gum, 50g Unit price: £3.99 (approx. €4.47)

Golden Seal Powder, 5g Unit price: £3.99 (approx. €4.47)

Hibiscus Flowers, whole, 100g Unit price: £5.95 (approx. €6.66)

Hyssop, 50g a closed relative to thyme put more pungent. Used in mixes like Za'tar or Gyros. Unit price: £2.95 (approx. €3.30)

Lemon Verbena, 35g Unit price: £3.75 (approx. €4.20)

Myrrh Gum, 50g Unit price: £3.99 (approx. €4.47)

Orris Root powder, 50g The root of the Iris Florentina is used as a fixative for pomanders, pot pourries and generally for its violet-scented perfume. Unit price: £3.95 (approx. €4.42)

Peppermint organic, 50g Unit price: £2.45 (approx. €2.74)

Raspberry Leaves, 50g Unit price: £2.95 (approx. €3.30)

Rooibos Tea, 50g Unit price: £2.25 (approx. €2.52)

Rosehip, 50g Make a strong tea out of the Rosehip shells by letting them simmer for at least 20min.,this brew can then be added to marinades, salad dressings, soups and stews, for that tangy yet fruity flavour of the Rosehips. Unit price: £2.95 (approx. €3.30)

Aniseeds, green

Try making shortbread flavoured with aniseed: Mix 4 oz butter + 2 oz sugar. Add 6 oz plain flour and 2 tsp aniseeds. Roll the dough out to 1/2" thickness and stamp out biscuits. Chill for 20 mins then bake at 190°/gas 5 for 15-20 mins. Cool on the tray.

Ajowan - Carom - Kings Cumin

East African chicken soup is awesome with ajowan! Brown some onions and crushed peanuts or cashews in oil, add chopped up chicken leg - skin bones and all, they add to the flavor - brown on all sides, cover with water and cook with cumin and ajowan seeds until done; finish by stirring in a can of coconut milk. The ajowan balances out the sweetness of nuts and milk; really good quick soup.

Chilli con Carne mix

Brown onions and minced beef in oil, add water, soaked beans, and spice (1 teaspoon per person - make sure some bay leaves make it into the pot), chopped tomatoes, and cook until done. Make a huge pot to last you a week, as it gets better with time. I normally add some chillies as well.

Mexican Quesadilla seasoning

Season your meat or re-fried beans with this spice mix. Pile on to tortilla breads, add grated cheese, top with a second bread and fry in oil. Delicious!!