13 Foods that Shape our World

(£16.99, BBC Books)

In the first book from BBC Radio 4’s hit series The Food Programme, award-winning writer Alex Renton delves into the stories behind key staples, including bread, dairy, salt and cocoa. An interesting insight into the history of these foods, this is a great book for bedtime reading. You’ll pick up cooking tips along the way, too, including how to make the perfect roast

chicken and buy the best olive oil.