Scad, jack or horse mackerel. The tough part near the tail must be removed before cooking. Fish which have a firm tail section and bright eyes are the ones to select. They are at their best from spring to autumn (US: fall). In Japan they are used for sashimi or sushi and may also be grilled, simmered or deep-fried.
Fenugreek (seeds). The seeds impart a distinctive, smoky flavour to dishes. Both the leaves and seeds are used, in the same way as they are for coriander (US: cilantro).
Cayenne pepper. Ground, hot red chillis. They are tapered and contain twice as much capsaicin as red peppers, which is why they provide so much heat to food. Chillis are often available in dried or powdered forms. Colour is not necessarily a guide to the heat, which is measured in Scoville units (named after Wilbur Scoville). Generally speaking the scale goes from small and pointed, with thin skins, having the most heat through to large and blunt having the least. The greatest heat is contained in the membranes and seeds.
