Fresh thyme, sold individually. Thyme is an essential herb in Caribbean cooking — the woody, aromatic herb that turns up in rice and peas, brown stew chicken, oxtail, soups, jerk marinades, and almost every Caribbean savoury dish. Fresh thyme carries a sharper, more aromatic flavour than dried; pick the small leaves from the woody stems and add to the pot at the start of cooking. Use the whole sprig if you prefer, and remove before serving. Sold by the single bunch, which will see most family dishes through. Keep in the fridge wrapped in a damp cloth.