Super herbs and spices PARSLEY

Think of parsley as both a herb and a salad green. Italian parsley dressed with olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing contrast to rich grilled salmon or steak. Parsley and garlic form the basis for many easy no-cook all-superfood sauces: just blend with olive oil and oregano to make the Argentinian steak sauce chimichurri; chop with lemon zest for a Milanese gremolata; add anchovies and lemon juice and you’ve got a powerhouse salsa verde for fish; or blitz with walnuts for a twist on a tasty pesto.

TURMERIC

Its earthy, peppery flavour comes from curcumin, a phenol with antibacterial properties. The spice pairs well with scrambled eggs, salad dressings and even dessert.

CINNAMON

Cinnamon, with its essential oils full of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, boosts both savoury dishes (like steak or cooked pulses) and puddings.

OREGANO

Oregano’s bacteriafighting oils have been shown to help cure some infections. Use it to season meats, or mince it with tomato, garlic and anchovies for a quick Italian salsa.

GARLIC

Slice the top off a head of garlic and roast at 200°C/ gas 6 for an hour. It keeps in the fridge for a week and adds buttery flavour to dishes. It also fights viruses and helps improve cholesterol.