Jams, Conserves and Preserving, Hachette, £12.99

From the Echo, first published Friday 17th Oct 2003.

Bang on cue for the season of mellow fruitfulness comes this guide to an aspect of the culinary arts which probably conjures up images of your gran in a pinny. But this is a thoroughly-modern take on the art of stocking up on reminders of summer and autumn for the winter.

Each chapter looks at a different method of dealing with fruit or veg, such as preserving in oil, bottling or brining, followed by recipes featuring the food in question.

Akiko Ida's photographs are designed to tickle the taste-buds and fire your inspiration.