Also called Kala Jeera this is a more rare form of cumin. Black Cumin is more subtle than brown cumin, the seeds are sweeter, smaller and have a more delicate taste. The first flavour is small, then it grows to a smokey black flavour like lapsang suchong. The after taste is slightly bitter with nuances of citrus and aniseed.

This aromatic spice has an aniseed-like taste and is used in Chinese spice blends. Great on spare-ribs, crispy duck, roast chicken, and in beef soups and stir fries. Best used sparingly and can be ground before use.

Bay Leaves have a mild and sweet taste. Use bay leaves to flavour pilaus, biryanis, meat curries, pasta sauces, casseroles and stews Bay leaves are grown in the Mediterranean region and are mainly used in soups, stews, meat and vegetable dishes. The leaves also flavour classic French dishes such as bouillabaisse and bouillon. Bay leaves are pungent and have a sharp, bitter taste. In ancient times, the leaf was symbol of honour, health and good fortune. Bay leaves can be added for a more pungent flavour in bean, split pea and vegetable soups, meat stews, spaghetti sauce and chilli. Be sure to remove bay leaves before eating a dish that has finished cooking. Available in 10g jar.

Black cumin is an annual herbaceous plant with fine foliage and delicate pale bluish purple or white flowers. It is indigenous to the Mediterranean but grows prolifically in many areas of the world.

Normally sauteed in hot oil before adding vegetables to your dish. Used in pickles and chutneys and an important ingredient of the Vindaloo. Sprouts easily like cress. Excellent in salads. Available in 2Kg bags.

Natco Cassia Bark (50g)

The worlds most popular spice, coarsely ground. Available in 300g bag.

An essential ingredient in curry and masala mixtures. Strongly aromatic, spicy and slightly bitter in taste. Cumin has a distinctive, slightly bitter yet warm flavour. Replace every 6 months or so. Net Weight: 100g

One of the world's oldest and most useful spices. Use to make authentic garam masala and in various dals and pilau rice. Has a vast range of uses in all types of cooking.

Very hot, small whole chillies that can be used instead of fresh chillies. Heat them in oil until they increase in size. The frying enhances their flavour. Birdseye chillies may be small but they are very hot so use with care!

One of the most commonly used Indian spices.These are normally sauteed in hot oil, and impart a delicious mild nutty flavour to most Indian vegetable dishes. Available in 100g bag.

This aromatic spice has an aniseed-like taste and is used in Chinese spice blends. Great on spare-ribs, crispy duck, roast chicken, and in beef soups and stir fries. Best used sparingly and can be ground before use.

Cassia sticks have a fragrant aroma and sweetish taste. They are used in biryanis, Lamb Curies and Spice Mixtures.

Also called Carom or Lovage seeds, they have a flavor similar to thyme but much stronger. Used in Indian bread, Gram flour snacks and also go well with fish. They are also a common ingredient in balti cooking and in bhajis and pakoras.

One of the most commonly used Indian spices.These are normally sauteed in hot oil, and impart a delicious mild nutty flavour to most Indian vegetable dishes.

One of the most popular spices used in rice dishes. The large oval-shaped black pods release a warm, aromatic flavor. Unlike the green pods, this cardamom is rarely used in deserts and sweet dishes. Black cardamom is now a staple in African, Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. Because of the drying process which involves roasting over open fires, black cardamom has a unique smoky flavor and is just excellent in rice. Use sparingly as it has a rich flavour.

Natco Ajwan called Carom or Lovage seeds, they have a flavor similar to thyme but much stronger.

Very hot, small whole chilies that can be used instead of fresh chilies.

The whole red chilies are dried crushed and flaked to release the chili flavor more efficiently and quickly into dishes.

These have a warm aroma and a sweetish taste like aniseed. Tastes great with seafood, pork, stuffings, sauces, pickles and some curries. In India it is chewed as a natural breath freshener and as an aid to digestion.