You’ve probably heard these ingredients mentioned on a cookery TV show, you may have read them on a menu, but you’ve never really got your head around them. Here’s your bluffer’s guide to some of the stranger words you might find on Spinneys shelves right now.
Guarana – A Brazilian fruit, guarana is a berry with a red shell and a black seed inside. Berries are ground into powder and often added to energy drinks as they contain caffeine and antioxidants.
Goji – Containing all eight essential amino acids and high in protein, goji berries are small, red and a helpful ally in maintaining a robust immune system.
Piccalilli – Cauliflower, gherkins and onions are blended in a yellow mustard sauce so sharp it’ll make your nasal passages tingle. This British condiment is perfect with cheese, cold meats and crackers.
Sumac – Beautifully deep red in colour, sumac is a popular Middle Eastern spice that comes from a bush and has a sharp, citrus taste. Try it as a rub on your next platter of BBQ meats.
Rooibos – A light, herbal tea from South Africa, rooibos – or red bush – is caffeine-free and carries a nutty, woody taste that’s best enjoyed without milk.
Taramosalata – Cod roe is salted, cured and then mashed into a paste with lemon juice and olive oil plus either bread or boiled potatoes to make this pink Greek dip.
Spirulina – High in protein, vitamin B and beta-carotene, this is a blue-green algae that can tackle diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure. You might find it in powder or tablet form or perhaps in a juice shot.
Kefir – Dating back thousands of years, kefir is a fermented milk drink that is similar to drinkable yoghurt and is rich in calcium.
Biltong – Originating in southern African countries, almost any type of meat or poultry can be air dried and spiced to make biltong. Beef jerky is similar to biltong, although unlike biltong, it is cooked rather than dried.
Whey – Whey is the liquid part of milk that separates during the curdling and straining process that takes place during cheese production. Hugely popular among gym folk, whey can help build lean muscle.
Galangal – A close relative of ginger, galangal is a big name in Thai cooking. While ginger brings a warming spice to dishes, galangal has a citrus taste and is sliced rather than grated.
