It may sound like a snack best suited to the pecking practices of our feathered friends, but the canary seed is a shiny brown ingredient with some unsuspected benefits. Although it’s not likely that you’ll develop wings or gain the ability to fly upon consuming canary seeds, you will probably reap a range of the seeds’ nourishing health advantages.

Munch on a cluster of these sleek kernels to procure their high protein and iron content, healthy oils and essential nutrients. Native to Mediterranean regions, the seeds can also be pulverised into flour, which can then be used to make breads, cereals, pastries and cakes – ideal for those who need to outlaw gluten from their diets.

Canary seeds come from canary grass, and have traditionally been pecked on only by birds. But recently, scientists from the American Chemical Society have harvested canary seeds specifically for human consumption, with those diagnosed with coeliac disease in mind.

Canary seeds are beginning to crop up in health food stores and grocers – but if you’re having trouble finding these shiny pods, you can order them from Pureza. You can make a delicious South American-inspired milk (Leche de Alpiste) using canary seeds, eat them raw in your favourite trail mix and muesli combinations, or create an oatmeal-like breakfast dish using the seeds.