Five Tastes
Fuchsia Dunlop
When people in ancient China spoke of the 'five tastes', they were talking not only literally about the five tastes recognized in Chinese gastronomy - sour, bitter, sweet, pungent and salty - but also metaphorically about all the ingredients and flavours at a cook's disposal. They were part of the dynamic process of the cosmos, like the five elements and the constant flux of yin and yang. A chef was a kind of magician, someone able to harness the virtues of the five tastes and combine them harmoniously in a dish. You don't need to be a Chinese cook to find inspiration in the Chinese arts of flavour. With a few core seasonings, flavour combinations and techniques, you can conjure up delicious dishes from whatever ingredients you have to hand, whether seasonal treats from a farmers' market, specialist produce or basic vegetables from a supermarket.
Five Tastes
We offer a straightforward delivery charge:
- £4.45 for orders under the value of £25
- £6.00 for orders between £25 and £75
- If your order exceeds £75, delivery is free.
Gift vouchers are treated slightly differently, sent via Signed Delivery at a cost of £2.77.
