Despite its relatively small size, Wales impresses with its diverse terrains and coastal features. Its coastline takes in rocky headlands, sheer cliffs, storm pebble beaches, sheltered sandy bays, salt marshes and numerous river estuaries.

From wild herbs to plump mussels, edible seaweed to sea-fresh cockles - the Welsh coast is home, not only to its fishing industry, but also to unsung culinary gems that champion local traditions. Further inland, there's also a feast of regional flavour there for the taking.

Small is beautiful
Unlike modern farming practices, which favour production on vast tracts of land, farms in Wales tend to be on a smaller scale. You'll find plenty of organic farms, which take pride in preserving natural resources.

If you're looking for fresh vegetables head-out to a farmers market for top-quality flavoursome cauliflowers, leeks and potatoes. Organic farms, in Ceredigion, on the west coat of mid-Wales, also grow superb tomatoes, courgettes, lettuce and soft summer fruit.

Lamb from the land
Thriving on a wet climate, lush meadows, and coastal salt marshes, Welsh lamb is one of the country's main exports. Succulent and full-flavoured lamb is a star attraction on menus across Britain and beyond. Early spring lamb, is paradoxically at its best in early June, and is far superior to regular supermarket choices.

After the salt marshes have flooded, the resulting land makes fine grazing for the animals, producing a rich-flavoured meat, known as salt marsh lamb. Different regions lend their own characteristics.

In the mountains of North Wales, the heather and wild herbs lend an aromatic, almost floral note to the lamb. Animals grazing on the upland moors around the Berwyn Mountains and Brecon Beacons feed on an abundance of gorse, resulting in a distinctive flavour.

Thanks to Prince Charles and leading chefs across Britain, mutton is enjoying a revival in our kitchens. Noted for its gamey flavour, mutton (meat from sheep which has aged for two years) has a particularly full flavour, making it suitable for casseroles and hearty stews.