Kinome leaf

The young leaf of the sansho pepper tree, cut by hand in sprays and sent the morning it travels. Citrus and peppery with a cooling tingle on the tongue, it lifts sweet and savoury dishes alike and sits particularly well against rich food. Sixty days in the ground for a leaf used a few sprays at a time, which makes it the one thing on this list worth ordering ahead.

• Taste Citrus and peppery, with a tingle on the tongue
• Colour Dark glossy green
• Texture Delicate and smooth, with a little chew

On the plate: laid whole on grilled fish, tofu, clear broths and rice dishes, the way a kinome spray is used in a Japanese kitchen - one or two sprays, placed rather than scattered. Press a leaf between the palms first to wake the scent.

• Growing cycle 60 days