Heirloom expert and cook Marie Iannotti brings us the fascinating stories behind these unusual vegetables, but more importantly also tells us which ones to grow for the best flavour, complete with easy growing tips and techniques.

Growing your own has never looked, or tasted, so good.

• Heirloom vegetable seed sales are on the rise

• Includes an edited list of the easiest to grow and the most flavourful

• Will appeal to vegetable gardeners wanting to experiment with new varieties