She claims not to have seen the show, so why would she know to take in herbs/spices?

My thoughts exactly!

And raving on and on in the BT that it's just her special cooking method as to why her food was a success?

Lies..lies and more lies. This woman probably wrote the script for Liar Liar

What a sneak she is, trying to redeem herself with a bit of salt, the producers should have taken all the food off them!!! that would have wiped the smirk off her face

The more I see of her, the more I'm inclined to believe she is a total fake.

Because she is an outright liar and wants everyone to feel sorry for her! It's all me, me, me!! If you hadn't seen the show before wouldn't you check out a few episodes first before you signed the contract?? I know I would! She knew exactly what was involved and doesn't care about the trials because she is used to just eating rice and beans! She must have known that by saying she has phobias to insects she would be voted for therefore she gets maximum TV exposure and the show becomes all about her!!