Use your nut
When buying nuts, choose a seller you know has a high turnover and stores their produce in cool conditions. Heat will spoil fresh nuts by turning their volatile oils rancid.
Herb sense
Coriander and parsley will keep longer if stored upright in the fridge in a glass containing 1–2 cm water and covered with a plastic bag. To ensure dried mint packs a refreshing punch, buy in small quantities from a vendor you know has a high turnover.
Baking bread
If you want to make Afghan or other naan-style breads and don’t have a traditional clay tannur or wood-fired oven, try using a wide pizza stone placed in the bottom of a cold oven, then turn the oven on to maximum heat. Electric pizza ovens, available from homeware stores, will do the job too.
