Stronger than whole seeds and its flavour is strengthened by toasting. It can be used in meat, rice and vegetable dishes.

These have a warm aroma and a sweetish taste like aniseed. Tastes great with seafood, pork, stuffings, sauces, pickles and some curries. In India it is chewed as a natural breath freshener and as an aid to digestion. Available in 100g bag.

Like a black mung bean but slightly sweeter and creamier, use in the same way as mung beans. A base for many dals and goes well with red kidney beans cooked together. Urid Beans are a good source of protein and are high in dietary fibre. Available in 500g bags.

Bay Leaves have a mild and sweet taste. Use bay leaves to flavour pilaus, biryanis, meat curries, pasta sauces, casseroles and stews Bay leaves are grown in the Mediterranean region and are mainly used in soups, stews, meat and vegetable dishes. The leaves also flavour classic French dishes such as bouillabaisse and bouillon. Bay leaves are pungent and have a sharp, bitter taste. In ancient times, the leaf was symbol of honour, health and good fortune. Bay leaves can be added for a more pungent flavour in bean, split pea and vegetable soups, meat stews, spaghetti sauce and chilli. Be sure to remove bay leaves before eating a dish that has finished cooking. Available in 20 x 50g pack.

An essential ingredient in curry and masala mixtures. Strongly aromatic, spicy and slightly bitter in taste. Cumin has a distinctive, slightly bitter yet warm flavour. Replace every 6 months or so. Net Weight: 100g

Coriander seed is possibly the most important ingredient in Indian curries and dried roasted Coriander seeds or dhana dal are eaten as a snack. Coriander seeds are also an essential ingredient in tagines. Net Weight: 300g