Mr Ban warned of "widespread hunger, malnutrition and social unrest on an unprecedented scale" because of soaring food prices.

The WFP believes 100 million people are currently going short of food

Lemon Verbena

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With its unique fragrance and silky texture, this ever-popular after dinner digestive is a must have for any household.

Blackcurrant and Hibiscus

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Whole blackcurrants, berries and cracked hibiscus shells make this sumptuous herbal infusion absolutely delightful. Vivid, intense and lively with a rich spectrum of berry fruits. Refreshing even bracing and full of charm.

10g samples of 2007 Organic Silver Needle, Huo Shan Yellow Buds, White
Peony and Rose, White Peony and Greenwood Estate White Assam.

10g samples of 2007 Organic Silver Needle, Huo Shan Yellow Buds, White
Peony and Rose, White Peony and Greenwood Estate White Assam.

Broccoli and bacon soup

A good use of the older specimens. Serves 6.

1 medium onion

30g butter

200g smoked streaky bacon

3 smallish potatoes

1.5 litres of chicken or ham stock

300g broccoli, purple sprouting or other dark calabrese

150ml milk

Peel the onion, roughly chop it and soften it in the butter in a deep pan, making sure it doesn't colour. Stir in half the bacon, snipped into short lengths (keep six short rashers for later), then the potatoes, scrubbed and cut into small pieces. Let the ingredients marry with as little colour as possible, then pour in the stock and bring to the boil, adding salt and pepper. Turn the heat down and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, till the potatoes collapse against slight pressure from the back of a spoon.

Add the greens, trimmed of any very tough stalks, and simmer for 10 minutes (they should live up to their name). Pour in the milk and blend the mixture till smooth, checking the seasoning as you go. Grill the remaining bacon till crisp, then serve the soup in warm bowls, with a rasher of crisp bacon on top.