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From Scratch: Adventures in Harvesting, Hunting, Fishing, and Foraging on a Fragile Planet
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER
"Unadulterated, smart, beautifully rendered, and often thrilling... This is delicious, adventuresome entertainment for the mind, soul, heart, and stomach." — Kirkus Review
"Adventurous Anthony Bourdain-esque eaters and readers will savor David Moscow’s every word as he travels far (Ciao, sea of Sardinia) and near (howdy, Texas plains) to learn from farmers, hunters, fisherfolk, and scientists about how our food reaches our plates." —Reader's Digest
David Moscow, the creator and star of the groundbreaking series From Scratch, takes us on an exploration of our planet’s complex and interconnected food supply, showing us where our food comes from and why it matters in his new book of global culinary adventures.
In an effort to help us reconnect with the food that sustains our lives, David Moscow has spent four years going around the world, meeting with rock-star chefs, and sourcing ingredients within local food ecosystems—experiences taking place in over twenty countries that include milking a water buffalo to make mozzarella for pizza in Italy; harvesting oysters in Long Island Sound and honey from wild bees in Kenya; and making patis in the Philippines, beer in Malta, and sea salt in Iceland.
Moscow takes us on deep dives (sometimes literally) with fisherfolk, farmers, scientists, community activists, historians, hunters, and more, bringing back stories of the communities, workers, and environments involved—some thriving, some in jeopardy, all interconnected with food.
The result is this travel journal that marvels in the world around us while simultaneously examining the environmental issues, cultural concerns, and overlooked histories intertwined with the food we eat to survive and thrive. Through the people who harvest, hunt, fish, and forage each day, we come to understand today’s reality and tomorrow’s risks and possibilities.
"Unadulterated, smart, beautifully rendered, and often thrilling... This is delicious, adventuresome entertainment for the mind, soul, heart, and stomach." — Kirkus Review
"Adventurous Anthony Bourdain-esque eaters and readers will savor David Moscow’s every word as he travels far (Ciao, sea of Sardinia) and near (howdy, Texas plains) to learn from farmers, hunters, fisherfolk, and scientists about how our food reaches our plates." —Reader's Digest
David Moscow, the creator and star of the groundbreaking series From Scratch, takes us on an exploration of our planet’s complex and interconnected food supply, showing us where our food comes from and why it matters in his new book of global culinary adventures.
In an effort to help us reconnect with the food that sustains our lives, David Moscow has spent four years going around the world, meeting with rock-star chefs, and sourcing ingredients within local food ecosystems—experiences taking place in over twenty countries that include milking a water buffalo to make mozzarella for pizza in Italy; harvesting oysters in Long Island Sound and honey from wild bees in Kenya; and making patis in the Philippines, beer in Malta, and sea salt in Iceland.
Moscow takes us on deep dives (sometimes literally) with fisherfolk, farmers, scientists, community activists, historians, hunters, and more, bringing back stories of the communities, workers, and environments involved—some thriving, some in jeopardy, all interconnected with food.
The result is this travel journal that marvels in the world around us while simultaneously examining the environmental issues, cultural concerns, and overlooked histories intertwined with the food we eat to survive and thrive. Through the people who harvest, hunt, fish, and forage each day, we come to understand today’s reality and tomorrow’s risks and possibilities.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 2022
10 people are currently reading
2520 people want to read
About the author
David Moscow
4 books15 followersDavid Moscow is the creator, executive producer, and host of From Scratch.
David made his feature film debut at the age of 13 in Big, starring as the young Tom Hanks; soon after, starred opposite Christian Bale in Newsies; and appeared in dozens of films, television shows, and theater productions for over twenty years: Riding in Cars with Boys with Drew Barrymore, Honey with Jessica Alba, Just Married with Ashton Kutcher, Restaurant with Adrian Brody, and many more.
More recently, David founded UnLTD Pictures, a production company. He has produced 27 feature films, including Under the Silver Lake, To Dusk, Hellbenders and Wild Nights with Emily, and directed the thriller, Desolation.
David has experienced a rich mix of cultures, communities, and ways of life. He grew up in the Bronx—but he spent summers in the wilds of Montana and Utah, running in the woods with his mother’s family. He spent his teen years on movie sets—but left to track wolves on the Mexican border, to support reintroduction for Arizona Fish and Game. He currently lives in LA with his wife and son—and develops mixed income sustainably green apartment buildings in NYC.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 9, 2022
This is a thought provoking and inspiring exploration of the food we eat, the complexities of the production processes to bring it to our tables, and its sustainability. It also looks at a number of the factors at play including cultural, environmental and political, as well as the demands of a rapidly growing population.
The author during his travels and his foraging missions around the world, shares the fascinating history of the people, the land and food sources available and current day challenges. He also introduces us to extraordinary people making a difference in terms conservation, food production and the provision of water to their local and wider communities, but also raises serious questions about the future.
For crops to grow water is essential, but on the island of Malta, will their efforts to manage the limited water supply be put at risk by the over building and massive increase in population, complacency, swimming pools and a possible rise in sea water?
As the number of those hunting for their food declines in the United States will the funding for essential conservation projects dry up? And is ethical and responsible hunting for food, more humane than mass farming, where animal welfare is not necessarily part of the process?
The book is also highly entertaining, as the reader becomes the spectator, watching the author sourcing the ingredients to create specific meals suggested by his award winning guest chefs. Not an easy task for the film crew following him by any means. For example being waist deep in a river to farm oysters, searching for allusive octopus in Malta, hunting wild boar in Texas and fishing for cigar fish in the South China Sea.
In Kenya there is the search for the sausage tree fruit accompanied with laughing hyenas at dawn and innovative local regenerative agriculture. Garnished with a lifetime inspirational interview with Richard Leakey.
Certainly heading in search of the best pizza in the world resulted in an interesting encounter with a mozzarella maker, having first milked an unwilling water buffalo by hand, then a search for ancient wheat, tomatoes and anchovies.
Many of the ingredients featured, are ones we usually take for granted, and do not necessarily prepare to make the most of their taste or nutritional value. The chapters are an eye-opener and inspiration to regard our food in a far more mindful manner.
There are some wonderful recipes created by the exceptional chefs that prompted this search for ingredients at the back of the book, offering an opportunity to put this mindfulness to good use.
Moscow believes this exploration of how different cultures grow, harvest and prepare their produce is an important part of becoming closer to the food we eat. In contrast to the distance and lack of appreciation for the food production process imposed by shrink wrapped steaks from the supermarket. It also instils an appreciation for the millions of workers who make a living putting food on our plates, often putting their lives in danger in the process every day.
The message I took from this remarkable book is that there is hope for the future of our planet, but there needs to be more action taken to preserve and to find innovative ways to grow the food we need now, and in the future. We have to start taking an individual and collective responsibility to ensure the long term viability of the food providing our nutritional needs.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to have a clearer understanding of the complexities, sustainability and also the wonders of the food on our plates, and also enjoy an adventure story set in some of the more remote and less visited parts of the world.
The author during his travels and his foraging missions around the world, shares the fascinating history of the people, the land and food sources available and current day challenges. He also introduces us to extraordinary people making a difference in terms conservation, food production and the provision of water to their local and wider communities, but also raises serious questions about the future.
For crops to grow water is essential, but on the island of Malta, will their efforts to manage the limited water supply be put at risk by the over building and massive increase in population, complacency, swimming pools and a possible rise in sea water?
As the number of those hunting for their food declines in the United States will the funding for essential conservation projects dry up? And is ethical and responsible hunting for food, more humane than mass farming, where animal welfare is not necessarily part of the process?
The book is also highly entertaining, as the reader becomes the spectator, watching the author sourcing the ingredients to create specific meals suggested by his award winning guest chefs. Not an easy task for the film crew following him by any means. For example being waist deep in a river to farm oysters, searching for allusive octopus in Malta, hunting wild boar in Texas and fishing for cigar fish in the South China Sea.
In Kenya there is the search for the sausage tree fruit accompanied with laughing hyenas at dawn and innovative local regenerative agriculture. Garnished with a lifetime inspirational interview with Richard Leakey.
Certainly heading in search of the best pizza in the world resulted in an interesting encounter with a mozzarella maker, having first milked an unwilling water buffalo by hand, then a search for ancient wheat, tomatoes and anchovies.
Many of the ingredients featured, are ones we usually take for granted, and do not necessarily prepare to make the most of their taste or nutritional value. The chapters are an eye-opener and inspiration to regard our food in a far more mindful manner.
There are some wonderful recipes created by the exceptional chefs that prompted this search for ingredients at the back of the book, offering an opportunity to put this mindfulness to good use.
Moscow believes this exploration of how different cultures grow, harvest and prepare their produce is an important part of becoming closer to the food we eat. In contrast to the distance and lack of appreciation for the food production process imposed by shrink wrapped steaks from the supermarket. It also instils an appreciation for the millions of workers who make a living putting food on our plates, often putting their lives in danger in the process every day.
The message I took from this remarkable book is that there is hope for the future of our planet, but there needs to be more action taken to preserve and to find innovative ways to grow the food we need now, and in the future. We have to start taking an individual and collective responsibility to ensure the long term viability of the food providing our nutritional needs.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to have a clearer understanding of the complexities, sustainability and also the wonders of the food on our plates, and also enjoy an adventure story set in some of the more remote and less visited parts of the world.
November 25, 2025
Added to my reading list when it was published, I must have seen this in an upcoming books list. I had no idea there was a television show.
This is a companion volume for the show. It goes into a little more detail about some of the stories, covering things that wouldn't film well - not every story fits neatly into a standard block of time. Chapters are self contained, as I imagine the episodes are also. Only in the epilog does the author go back to tie a few things together. Here he especially emphasizes our fragile planet, and the things we have done right.
Started to read the ebook, then found out the author reads the audiobook, available at my local library. He has a pleasing voice (he is an actor) and does a good job telling his own story. Half an hour of recipes at the end are probably better in book form.
This is a companion volume for the show. It goes into a little more detail about some of the stories, covering things that wouldn't film well - not every story fits neatly into a standard block of time. Chapters are self contained, as I imagine the episodes are also. Only in the epilog does the author go back to tie a few things together. Here he especially emphasizes our fragile planet, and the things we have done right.
Started to read the ebook, then found out the author reads the audiobook, available at my local library. He has a pleasing voice (he is an actor) and does a good job telling his own story. Half an hour of recipes at the end are probably better in book form.
Read
July 6, 2023A great book that tells you where your food comes from - beyond the supermarket. For foodies, chefs, teachers and students - because this engaging books talks about environment, agricultural practices, climate change and other areas. A great resource for schools too!
March 4, 2025
Very interesting read that gave a lot of the political history and backstory of each place that the host visited.
June 18, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
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https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
December 6, 2022
What a treat to read! In a whirlwind trip around the world, David Moscow gives us a peek at the sometimes delightful and sometimes distressing stories behind the foods we eat. He also introduces us to lesser-known vittles we could cultivate and consume.
The author is an actor with a notable role in movies such as Big, where he played the young Tom Hanks. He and his father wrote this book as a companion to his television series From Scratch. In each episode, he goes to different outstanding restaurants and interviews the chefs about their dishes specializing in local ingredients. After that, Moscow goes on a scavenger hunt to locate these ingredients to bring back to cook, prepare, and enjoy together.
The idea is interesting on its own. But Moscow kicks it up a notch by providing the local history that impacts food availability and quality, providing a fascinating glimpse at the past and our possible future. For instance, he travels to Kenya, where he must kill a goat (using traditional methods), and to Italy’s Amalfi Coast to harvest the perfect wheat (with a scythe) to prepare pizza crust.
The stories can sometimes be tense, even poignant, as when he gets ready to kill a wild boar in Texas. At other times, his experiences made me laugh out loud, as when he was harvesting scallops in Iceland. But one thing is for sure; the book was never dull. Butter smoked with sheep dung, anyone?
I’d recommend this book to anyone who cares about our planet. While Moscow respects local cuisines and eats meat, he’s also conscious of what he’s doing, and the killing never seems easy. His fascination and respect for a wide variety of potatoes in Peru match that for chanterelle mushrooms in the state of Washington. It’s also a gratifying look at different cultures’ cooking traditions. I really enjoyed it.
The author is an actor with a notable role in movies such as Big, where he played the young Tom Hanks. He and his father wrote this book as a companion to his television series From Scratch. In each episode, he goes to different outstanding restaurants and interviews the chefs about their dishes specializing in local ingredients. After that, Moscow goes on a scavenger hunt to locate these ingredients to bring back to cook, prepare, and enjoy together.
The idea is interesting on its own. But Moscow kicks it up a notch by providing the local history that impacts food availability and quality, providing a fascinating glimpse at the past and our possible future. For instance, he travels to Kenya, where he must kill a goat (using traditional methods), and to Italy’s Amalfi Coast to harvest the perfect wheat (with a scythe) to prepare pizza crust.
The stories can sometimes be tense, even poignant, as when he gets ready to kill a wild boar in Texas. At other times, his experiences made me laugh out loud, as when he was harvesting scallops in Iceland. But one thing is for sure; the book was never dull. Butter smoked with sheep dung, anyone?
I’d recommend this book to anyone who cares about our planet. While Moscow respects local cuisines and eats meat, he’s also conscious of what he’s doing, and the killing never seems easy. His fascination and respect for a wide variety of potatoes in Peru match that for chanterelle mushrooms in the state of Washington. It’s also a gratifying look at different cultures’ cooking traditions. I really enjoyed it.
January 3, 2023
I do not believe that my review gives a lot of spoilers but it will give a little bit of an idea of some of the chapters in the book. Please be aware.
I am reviewing the audiobook for From Scratch by David Moscow read by the author. As I've only watched a few episodes of his show on cable television I was intrigued to see that he had written a book regarding it. I learned quite a bit about the author and his preface when he was explaining why he decided to write the book. Although it was voice was lacking and inflection of it and was a little bit bland to begin with, he did increase his excitement and his voice as he was reading the story to us.
I believe he improved greatly after the first chapter. He did take us a little bit into some of his different experiences gaining foods and how that related to his personal life. I learned he has a definite love now for oysters. He also touched a little bit on the history and how it affects different people in different situations and different countries.
I felt that when it came from transitioning from the preface to chapter 1 chapter 2 so on down the line that he did it somewhat seamlessly. He seemed to stumble a little bit from the preface to chapter 1 and a little bit from chapter 1 to chapter 2 but then I feel like you found his rhythm and was very engaging afterwards. I would definitely suggest picking this book up and learning a little bit more about foraging for the foods that you utilizing your cooking.
He goes very much in depth as to why this is so important for us. Definitely suggest picking up a copy either in print form or as an audiobook and giving it a chance.
I am reviewing the audiobook for From Scratch by David Moscow read by the author. As I've only watched a few episodes of his show on cable television I was intrigued to see that he had written a book regarding it. I learned quite a bit about the author and his preface when he was explaining why he decided to write the book. Although it was voice was lacking and inflection of it and was a little bit bland to begin with, he did increase his excitement and his voice as he was reading the story to us.
I believe he improved greatly after the first chapter. He did take us a little bit into some of his different experiences gaining foods and how that related to his personal life. I learned he has a definite love now for oysters. He also touched a little bit on the history and how it affects different people in different situations and different countries.
I felt that when it came from transitioning from the preface to chapter 1 chapter 2 so on down the line that he did it somewhat seamlessly. He seemed to stumble a little bit from the preface to chapter 1 and a little bit from chapter 1 to chapter 2 but then I feel like you found his rhythm and was very engaging afterwards. I would definitely suggest picking this book up and learning a little bit more about foraging for the foods that you utilizing your cooking.
He goes very much in depth as to why this is so important for us. Definitely suggest picking up a copy either in print form or as an audiobook and giving it a chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2023
One of the best nonfiction reads I have encountered.... From Scratch: Adventures in Harvesting, Hunting, Fishing, and Foraging on a Fragile Planet by David Moscow and Jon Moscow
The author travels around the world visiting well-known chefs. While he is there, he goes out and forages for the ingredients that chef needs to make a signature, local dish. He has milked a buffalo to make cheese, participated in a ritual slaying of a goat for a stew, and searched for a particular grass amongst sand dunes. As he collects, he talks about the local agriculture and how the local people are working to create a sustained environment. He shares the desalination of salt water in a place that receives no rainfall, reef revitalization, oyster ¨farming¨, and the necessary monoculture of potato farming. There is also a documentary series that goes along with this book.
Favorite quote: ¨If you are more well-off than others and you have more land, don´t build a bigger fence.....build a longer table.¨
The author travels around the world visiting well-known chefs. While he is there, he goes out and forages for the ingredients that chef needs to make a signature, local dish. He has milked a buffalo to make cheese, participated in a ritual slaying of a goat for a stew, and searched for a particular grass amongst sand dunes. As he collects, he talks about the local agriculture and how the local people are working to create a sustained environment. He shares the desalination of salt water in a place that receives no rainfall, reef revitalization, oyster ¨farming¨, and the necessary monoculture of potato farming. There is also a documentary series that goes along with this book.
Favorite quote: ¨If you are more well-off than others and you have more land, don´t build a bigger fence.....build a longer table.¨
August 25, 2024
This was an interesting book which looks at food and where it comes from, hunting, foraging, farming. Author travels across the world, meets famous chefs from various countries and sets off in search of specific local foods. Some chapters were better than others. But did you know NY was in the 19th century a place where you got top quality oysters and then of course over farming and pollution ended it. But there is a program now to restore oysters, which apparently are great for the ocean. Anyway you get an idea of some of the stuff covered. Apparently there is a TV show,.definitely want to check it out.
August 21, 2025
An excellent read! David and Jon skillfully blend personal reflections with broader perspectives to illuminate the growing disconnect between modern societies and the food they depend on. At the same time, he fosters a renewed appreciation for time-honored traditions and often-overlooked ingredients.
This book is both a thought-provoking call to awareness and a captivating journey that encourages readers to be more mindful of their eating choices and to acknowledge the people and processes behind each meal. Highly recommended for anyone interested in food origins, the environmental impact of food harvesting, and the global food industry.
This book is both a thought-provoking call to awareness and a captivating journey that encourages readers to be more mindful of their eating choices and to acknowledge the people and processes behind each meal. Highly recommended for anyone interested in food origins, the environmental impact of food harvesting, and the global food industry.
October 27, 2024
Interesting premise, although I never watched the show it was describing in greater detail than he was able to get into on the show - especially with the history and environmental impact. I was annoyed for the first few chapters, then jumped around to chapters about places or foods that were more interesting to me and eventually started liking the book more. As I have complained before, I am not always a fan of books by non-writers. This was by an actor and TV producer (?), and I felt it.
December 8, 2022
I really don't like to give a bad review to a new book but I couldn't get into this book. It just jumped all over the place from food sources, to cooking, to history, to look at the cool place where at and the book just never gained any traction to me. I did like the chapter on hunting.
February 21, 2023
If you want to learn about where food comes from and how agricultural practices affect culture and the environment, there are many better options. Even he admits that he gets a little overenthusiastic about foods he's researched such that his family rejects some of the food he brings home.
April 21, 2023
Exceptional book about human triumphs of the culinary. Covers all sorts of food preservation and hunting methods from across the globe. Felt like I was on the trip with them. A fun read indeed. And there are recipes at the back!! Good for any food lover or farm enthusiast.
August 30, 2023
Good from the not-Christian Bale character in Newsies. Thought it was a little weird that his dad is listed as author but not mentioned much in the book. May have to go back and watch the show now.
August 5, 2025
I enjoyed this book and my family and I love watching the show. The book and show are both educational and entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews