Root to Bloom: A Modern Guide to Whole Plant Use

by Mat Pember, Jocelyn Cross

Root to Bloom equips readers with the knowledge and tools to grow, eat, and celebrate every edible part of the plant. The book explores the lesser-used parts of a plant that are often snubbed in favor of the produce we've come to expect. It includes a comprehensive rundown of 35 edible plants (from cilantro to onion to yams), covering extra components of edibility, including flowers, roots, and weeds. It educates people about ideal growing conditions, the nutrition level of the parts, as well as how to prepare/preserve them for eating, complete with recipes (such as Japanese pickled sweet ginger, Pickled nasturtium pods, and Broccoli leaf coleslaw). It includes six breakout chapters on key related topics: Medicinal; Herbicides; Skin care; Weeds/foraging; The orchard; and Preserving flowers.

Genres: Gardening, Cooking, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

Published March 5, 2019

Reviews

[Eowyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

A beautifully presented book, however some of the photographed plants seem to have been misidentified, which lessons my faith in the credibility of the rest of the text.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty and some of the recipies look good but there just isn't very much information in here. Some parts seem to be missing like the ideal growing season for the curcubit family is missing.. I know what it is but does everyone reading this book? Possibly not. Its there for all the other plants but not that one.

Its a great idea but just not very informative. Looks great on your shelf tho!!

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was an herbalism book, but it's not - it's more of how you can use the entire plant, including roots, stem, flowers, seeds, etc., not just part of it. Interesting, and a nice portrayal, but I would have preferred more realistic photos of the plants, more identifying info and more info about the plants. Still, an interesting pretty book.

[Jade · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this was such a great concept, but it was just done really poorly.

There’s several pages about citrus. You’ll be shocked to learn that you can eat the fruit and candied peel of this plant.

Nothing new or interesting in this book.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Lovely layout, pictures and great beginners guide to edible plants along with their history and sugested uses, recipes, how to grow them and origins.
It is annoying that both authors are not metioned here. It's by Mat Pember & Jocelyn Cross.

[Zuleeza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful. The only problem is I have trouble adapting.