A major part of that is obviously potatoes, which originated in South America. They were brought back to Europe through colonization of the Americas. Just like tomatoes and corn.

For spices though, looking up a few recipes to check it looks like usually thyme, rosemary, and parsley are used, which are Mediterranean and Western Eurasia. So maybe... My memory of English colonialism and time-frames closer to home is more lacking.

[–] Prunebutt@slrpnk.net 1 points 8 months ago

Dammit, forgot the potatoes.

If I took a guess, then thyme, rosemary and parsley have been brought to the country waay back when the british isles where being conquered instead of doing the conquering.