Smell is an important component of appetite and vital to our enjoyment of food and drink. The addition of herbs to cooked food can add to the flavour. When we are hungry, the brain sends information via nerves to stimulate the nose which makes food smell attractive.

Below you'll find some simple tips and winning combinations to whet your appetite.

• Chicken - tarragon
• Guacomole - coriander
• Roast potatoes - rosemary
• Beef stew - add a combination of fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme or basil

• Light flavours of dill, parsley & chervil are good with fish & seafood
• Rosemary & oregano will flavour braised or baked lamb or roast pork
• Root vegetables respond well to thyme & rosemary
• Aubergines go well with provincial herbs
• Green peas - mint
• Tomatoes - basil & parsley

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