Pumpkin seeds, also known as "pepitas," were a staple in Mesoamerican cultures for their versatile uses in food and traditional remedies. They were considered a symbol of health, fertility, and vitality. Introduced to Europe in the 16th century, they became popular in Styria, Austria, where they were pressed into Styrian pumpkin seed oil, valued for its nutty flavour and nutritional benefits.

Sesame seeds are among the oldest oilseed crops, originating in the Indian subcontinent and later spreading to Asia and the Middle East. Treasured for their rich oil content, they were used in food, medicine, and religious rituals.

Sunflower seeds trace their origins to the Americas, where Native American tribes cultivated sunflowers over 4,000 years ago for food, oil, and ceremonial uses. Brought to Europe in the 16th century, sunflower seeds gained popularity in agriculture and cuisine, becoming a symbol of health and prosperity.

A staple food in ancient Aztec and Mayan diets, chia seeds were prized for their ability to sustain energy and stamina. The word "chia" means "strength" in the Mayan language, highlighting their importance as a superfood for warriors and athletes.

Revered as "food of the gods" by the Mayans and Aztecs, cacao beans were used in sacred rituals, as currency, and for creating ceremonial beverages. Introduced to Europe in the 16th century, they became a symbol of luxury and vitality.

Known as the "king of herbs" in Ayurveda, ashwagandha has been used for over 3,000 years in India for its adaptogenic properties. Its name translates to "smell of a horse," reflecting its traditional use to impart vitality and strength.

Native to the Peruvian Andes, maca root was cultivated by the Incas over 2,000 years ago for its ability to thrive in harsh conditions and its role as a natural energy booster. It was revered as a sacred crop, used in rituals and as a trading commodity.

Raspberries have been harvested since prehistoric times, with cultivation beginning in Europe in the 4th century. They were used for their tart flavour, as well as their medicinal properties in herbal remedies.

A staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years, goji berries were traditionally used to support longevity and vitality.


Cultivated in Europe since the Middle Ages, red currants were valued for their tart flavour and widely used in jams, wines, and traditional herbal tonics.

Originating in Southeast Asia and spreading through trade routes to Europe and the Americas, oranges became a symbol health, fertility, and good luck. They were often included in rituals, offerings, or festive occasions.

Originating in the Andes mountains of South America, quinoa has been cultivated for over 5,000 years and was a sacred crop to the Inca civilisation, known as the "mother of all grains." Used in rituals and as a staple food, it was considered a gift from the gods for its resilience and nutritional value.

Hazelnuts have been enjoyed since ancient times, with evidence of their cultivation dating back over 9,000 years. Revered by the Greeks and Romans for their nutritional and medicinal properties, they were often associated with wisdom and fertility.

Cultivated in Mesopotamia and the Middle East for over 6,000 years, dates have been a symbol of abundance, fertility, and vitality. Known as the "tree of life" in many cultures, they were treasured for their sweetness and sustenance.