From Morocco, Malta and Andalucia in the west, to Turkey, Lebanon and Iran in the East, the food and flavours of the Middle East permeate almost every aspect of daily life. Orange blossom and rose petals, spice-encrusted slow-cooked meats, fermented yoghurts, dates and olives - these are the flavours that have entranced visitors for centuries and that have recently experienced a surge in popularity in western kitchens.