Black peppercorns, the fruit of a perennial vine with large leaves and white flowers. Green peppercorns are the unripe fruits picked early and pickled. Black peppercorns are picked just before they ripen and white peppercorns are the ripe, black peppercorns with the black skin flaked off. They are best kept whole and ground when required. Historically, pepper was one of the world's most important spices. Columbus sailed West, not East, in search of pepper in the East Indies. Instead he found the Americas and allspice.

Bitter gourd. Bitter melon.

Large bright green, bean-like seeds. In Thailand these would usually be found still in their very large, heavy pod but are generally removed for export. They have a texture rather like very fresh almonds and a strong, garlicky flavour. They are eaten raw or cooked whole and used in sambals.

Apricot

Nutmeg