Food Plants of the World: An Illustrated Guide / Edition 1

by Ben-Erik van Wyk

Overview

A comprehensive survey of the plants that provide food, beverages, spices, and flavorings, this book will serve as an invaluable reference to gardeners, ethnobotanists, nutritionists, culinary professionals, dieticians, and food enthusiasts. This scientifically accurate guide will allow them to identify all the major plant-derived foods and flavors, research culinary uses, and understand their dietetic and nutritional properties. Introductory chapters cover the various categories of plant use, including cereals, pulses (legumes), nuts and seeds, fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs, sugar plants, beverages, spices, and flavorings. The core of the volume is an encyclopedic description of more than 350 food and flavor plants in use worldwide, with over 1000 color photographs. This accessible, pictorial guide is a concise source of practical information, not readily available elsewhere, and should be on every food enthusiast's bookshelf.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780881927436
Publisher:	Timber Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	10/10/2005
Edition description:	Older Edition
Pages:	480
Product dimensions:	6.78(w) x 9.74(h) x 1.36(d)

About the Author

Ben-Erik van Wyk is a professor of botany at the Rand Afrikaans University, Johannesburg, South Africa. His research interest is in systematic botany and plant utilization.

Table of Contents

	Preface	6
	Introduction	7
	Regions of origin	8
	Cereals	12
	Pulses (legumes)	14
	Nuts and seeds	16
	Fruits	18
	Vegetables	22
	Culinary herbs	28
	Sugars, gums, gels and starches	30
	Beverages	32
	Spices and flavours	34
	The plants in alphabetical order	36
	Nutrients, diet and health	392
	Quick guide to food plants	404
	Glossary	441
	Further reading	446
	Acknowledgements and photo credits	448
	General Index	450

Editorial Reviews

"A standout as a book about edible plants. The author ... has made a study of virtually every plant suitable for eating that you might encounter."—Joel M. Lerner, Washington Post, May 20, 2006

The Washington Post - Joel M. Lerner

"Van Wyk presents a superbly illustrated guide to more than 350 commercially important plants that are sources of cereals, nuts, fruits, vegetables, drinks, herbs, and spices. The photos distinguish this work work from similar titles."—D. M. Rosenthal, Choice, April 2006

Choice - D. M. Rosenthal

"A hefty but well-mannered reference approach to the topic, this book packs a serious informational punch."—Tod Eunker, Bloomsbury Review, March/April 2006

Bloomsbury Review - Tod Eunker

A standout as a book about edible plants. The author has made a study of virtually every plant suitable for eating that you might encounter.” —The Washington Post

“A hefty but well-mannered reference approach to the topic, this book packs a serious informational punch.” —Bloomsbury Review

“Readers will find much of interest in this book. I strongly recommend it.” —Economic Botany

“This book is a gem. It deserves constant use by all who want easily accessible and accurate plant information.” —Flavor and Fortune

“If you are looking for a terrific guide that will help you identify plant-derived foods and flavors, including their culinary uses and health properties, then Food Plants of the World is the book for you.” —Vegetarian Journal

“Van Wyk presents a superbly illustrated guide to more than 350 commercially important plants that are sources of cereals, nuts, fruits, vegetables, drinks, herbs, and spices. The photos distinguish this work work from similar titles.” —Choice

“The botanical world is richly edible. In Food Plants of the World van Wyck uses vivid images and descriptions to bring the bounty of this diversity alive. This is a major contribution to expanding our culinary tastes and exploring the diverse world of the plant kingdom.” —Gastronomica: The Journal of Food and Culture

“Here is another in the series of excellent plant books from Portland’s Timber Press. The text, while detailed, is easy to read and well organized.” —Salem Statesman Journal

 

From the Publisher

"A hefty but well-mannered reference approach to the topic, this book packs a serious informational punch."—Tod Eunker, Bloomsbury Review, March/April 2006
— Tod Eunker

Bloomsbury Review

"Van Wyk presents a superbly illustrated guide to more than 350 commercially important plants that are sources of cereals, nuts, fruits, vegetables, drinks, herbs, and spices. The photos distinguish this work work from similar titles."—D. M. Rosenthal, Choice, April 2006
— D. M. Rosenthal

Choice

"A standout as a book about edible plants. The author ... has made a study of virtually every plant suitable for eating that you might encounter."—Joel M. Lerner, Washington Post, May 20, 2006
— Joel M. Lerner

The Washington Post