Food Plants of the World: Identification, Culinary Uses and Nutritional Value

(Hardback)

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Description

Plants and plant-derived products make up the bulk of what we eat and drink every day, and people often wonder where their favourite food or drink comes from. This scientifically accurate photographic guide provides quick and informative answers. Food Plants of the World is a comprehensive overview of the plants that provide us with food, beverages, spices and flavours. It is written in easy to understand language but gives accurate scientific information on the plants and their uses. This expanded and revised edition of the book includes: Descriptions of more than 400 food and flavour plants and their close relatives, including origin, history, cultivation, harvesting, properties and culinary uses. More than 1000 full-colour photographs, showing the plants, flowers and plant parts that are used. Introductory chapters on cereals, pulses (legumes), nuts and seeds, fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs, sugar plants, beverages, spices and flavourings. Interesting facts about the historical and contemporary uses of the various plant-derived products. A checklist of more than 800 of the most important and well-known food plants of the world.

Reviews

"The book is a valuable reference for gardeners growing home or community edible gardens, and anyone seeking up-to-date detailed information about plant-derived food." * Gardening Australia *
"Written in easy to understand language, the book is an accurate scientific and comprehensive overview of plants and their uses." -- Gail Thomas * Queensland Country Life *

Author Bio

Ben-Erik van Wyk is a Professor of Botany and holds the DST-NRF National Research Chair in Indigenous Plant Use at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He has a research interest in systematic botany and plant utilisation.