Olga Grieves looks to the past to safeguard flavour-packed heirloom veg for the future

Across the country, small producers are rediscovering the ancient art of fermentation, with delicious results. Tom Howells samples British-made kefir, kombucha, kraut and more

From weekly shops to smart shortcuts, food writer Laura Goodman explores how rising costs and busy lives are reshaping our family meals

Johnny Drain Adventures in Fermentation From ancient origins to culinary frontiers, an exploration of the microbes that shape the world we live in 320pp. Penguin Life. £20. Tim Spector Ferment The lif

Hidden preservatives, disguised sugars, ultra-processing and even insects: uncover the truth behind your food’s shopping list of secret ingredients

In the 1500s, Japan was fought over by hundreds of rival warlords. They battled for territory and power, resulting in a century of near-constant war, until the Tokugawa shoguns won a decisive victory