Diets that are high in plant-based foods like these are amongst the healthiest, but the fact is, most of us simply don’t eat enough vegetables, so if there’s something we can do to actually boost the benefits of these precious compounds, then all the better!

If cooking or meal planning feels a little daunting, then I suggest first stocking your pantry with the staples you’ll see used in Mediterranean recipes, time and time again. Here are 6 must-have pantry staples you should always keep well-stocked, and why they are worth including in your Mediterranean diet.