Herbs: A Global History

Edible

by Gary Allen

Salsa and guacamole wouldn’t be the same without cilantro, and you can’t make pizza without oregano or a mojito without mint. You can use peppermint to settle an upset stomach, ease arthritis pain with stinging nettle, and heal burns and wounds with aloe vera. And then there is cannabis—perhaps the most notorious and divisive herb of all. Despite the fact that herbs are often little more than weeds, cultures around the globe have found hundreds of uses for them, employing them in everything from ancient medicines to savory dishes. While much has been written on cooking and healing with herbs, little has been told about the history of the plants themselves and the incredible journeys they have made.

This book elucidates how these often overlooked plants have become a staple in our lives. Unlike spices that quickly traversed the globe through trade, Gary Allen shows that herbs were often hoarded by their cultivators and were central to distinctive regional dishes. He draws on his extensive knowledge of food history to examine herbs in new ways, making Herbs essential reading for any serious foodie. Filled with beautiful illustrations and delicious recipes, this book will complete the kitchen library.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Food, Cookbooks, Food and Drink, Cooking

166 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Gary Allen]

I wrote this, but don't think it's proper to rate one's own books.

[Laura Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be the most gorgeous book in the Edible series. The photos and images are truly stunning! Plus you have Gary Allen's usual lively writing. I loved finding out interesting facts like basil was once considered vile and dangerous and that marijuana was used instead of hops to make beer! I'll regard my collection of herbs with new respect and awe after reading this delightful book.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although well written, the wide-ranging and diverse nature of the subject matter leaves this installment feeling like the rough draft of a much larger book. A prime example of how less would have been more, though still interesting enough.

[Randolph Breschini · Rating 4 out of 5]

So so book…basic information 🤷🏼‍♂️

[Mary Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming Book On a Great Subject, April 3, 2015

By Mary Gallagher
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Herbs: A Global History (Reaktion Books - Edible) (Hardcover)

Wonderful writing on a great subject. The book is just long enough for each herb to be described with substance, good stories, and elegant drawings of the herbs. A beautiful, classy hard-cover book.