The most iconic of Asian spices, Sichuan pepper takes its name from a mountainous region in central China where it has been traditionally grown for centuries.

A plant with stimulative power and an intense vegetal aroma, absinthe, previously known as 'the green fairy,' was reputed to provide creative powers.

Protected by an antique pink mat glass, Damascus Rose and pepper passionately go up in flames.

Its origin is uncertain, but it is probably the result of an ancient cross between two species of mint. Spearmint is a perennial plant known for its heady and subtle scent.

A symbol of immortality, its leaves remain green all year round. It was the symbol of Apollo in ancient times.

This citrus fruit originally from Kashmir belongs to the Rutaceae family. It appeared in Europe during the Muslim conquests in the Middle Ages.

‘Horn-shaped’, from the Sanskrit ‘singabera’. It is highly valued for its many culinary, medicinal and fragrant properties.

Popular with the English since the 19th century, tea leaves undergo enzymatic fermentation which transforms them into ‘black tea’.

Melons have been used to quench our thirst since the beginning of time. The melon is naturally full of water and sugar.

It is the most famous of the gardenias. A Polynesian plant of the Rubiaceae family, its flower, called tiare, is deliciously fragrant.

Its name comes from the Arabic ‘anbar’. Amber – fossilised conifer resin – comes in all shades from yellow to orange to dark brown.

The phrase mira bella is Italian for ‘beautiful to behold’. The mirabelle plum is yellow in colour and sometimes has a thin waxy coating.