A taste of the MED

JAMIE OLIVER on bringing the flavours of the Mediterranean back home...

- REBECCA FLETCHER

JAMIE COOKS THE MEDITERRANEAN NEW SUNDAY, 8PM, C4 COOKERY (BOX SET, CHANNEL 4)

For a man who was up at 4.30am to take his daughter to the airport, Jamie Oliver is remarkably chipper as he tells TV Times about his latest TV passion project.

'I said to my daughter, "Where are you going?" and she went, "Seville." She said she was staying in a B&B for next to nothing, had 40 quid and would be fine. I gave her a couple of extra quid - I don't spoil her - and off she went. How amazing is that?' smiles Jamie, 48. 'That's what I'm trying to get across in the show - how accessible the Mediterranean is for culture, fun and food.'

In his new four-part C4 series, the dad-of-five explores Greece, Tunisia, Spain and France, soaking up ideas to help us create delicious food at home.

Here, in an exclusive interview, Jamie tells us more...

What does the Mediterranean mean to you?

So much. It's one of the most fascinating and extraordinary places on Earth. We're blessed that in three hours we can get to most Mediterranean countries; places linked by the same sea yet each with their own unique cuisine. 

After years of feast, famine, wars, immigration and the passing, sharing and stealing of recipes, food is embedded in their culture and the local people. I'm scouring the Med for their most delicious dishes to bring a taste of that country home.