Edible: An Illustrated Guide to the World's Food Plants

Front Cover
National Geographic Books, 2008 - Nature - 360 pages
A natural choice for the millions of people turning to a healthier lifestyle, this book invites readers on a sumptuously illustrated walk through the world garden to discover the story of some 250 food plants from field to table. Illustrated with more than 500 images and written by top international horticultural and culinary experts, the sumptuous Edible explores the origins, history, and contemporary cultural and culinary uses of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, beverage plants, herbs, and spices. A rich introduction begins the book, revealing early agriculture and our "green" future. Then an eight-chapter "Food Directory" cameos individual plants, with reader friendly layouts framing each entry's biography, botanical description, culinary role, and healing powers. In addition to the lively and authoritative narrative, Edible intrigues readers with layers of information: literary quotes, boxes on ancient origins of exotic foods, political underpinnings, nutritional values, longstanding remedies, and more. Tantalizing anecdotes dip into such diverse topics as the Japanese Cherry Festival; cacao, Mayan "food of the gods;" and the 17th-century Nutmeg Wars, which determined New York's future. A glossary and index complete the book. The National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine has proven itself a steady sales record. With huge appeal for both the health-conscious and the legions of devotees who follow today's chefs in the media, Edible is a recipe for success.
 

Contents

Gatherers to Growers
14
The Fertile Crescent and the Origin
20
Staple Foods
22
Food Trade Exploration and Conquest
28
nat de eth MN Hanart Oceania India and Southeast Asia
34
HighFlying Foods
46
Green Future
52
Citrus
64
Root Vegetables
142
Leaf Vegetables
164
Vegetable Fruits and Seeds
190
Nutritional Tables
336
Glossary
348
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