Individuals who love cooking may appreciate hamper gifts and could find their efforts enhanced by growing their own herbs and spices.

This is the claim made by food journalist Peter Grove, who explained that fresh ingredients of this kind make "all the difference" to dishes.

According to the expert, the plants "are not a big problem" to grow and care for, with fenugreek offering "tremendous taste" and hot chilli peppers providing a good species to grow at home.

Mr Grove warned: "As soon as they're put into pots herbs and spices deteriorate exponentially."

He advised people to store them carefully and avoid areas such as those next to the cooker, which can speed up this process, noting: "In order to get the freshest spices you have to grow your own."

One accompaniment to meals created using hamper gifts that food lovers may enjoy is Indian wine, which is reported to be seeing sales soar in the UK following a recommendation made on BBC's Saturday Kitchen.