United States
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Food Plants of the World is a comprehensive overview of the commercially important plants that provide us with food, beverages, spices and flavours. It includes descriptions of around 380 food and flavour plants and their close relatives. For each plant, the following information is given: plant description, origin & history, cultivation & harvesting, culinary uses & properties, and nutritional value.
This revised edition is thoroughly updated throughout, and includes approximately 30 additional species, as well as an introduction to functional foods. This is an indispensable reference guide for anyone interested in the botanical origin of food ingredients and flavours.
Ben-Erik van Wyk is a professor of botany at the Rand Afrikaans University, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Reviews of the first edition:
"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."
– Dan Hays, Salem Statesman Journal 2006-02-12
:A hefty but well-mannered reference approach to the topic, this book packs a serious informational punch."
– Tod Eunker, Bloomsbury Review 2006-03-01
"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 2006-04-01
"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 2006-05-20
"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."
– Debra Wasserman, Vegetarian Journal 2006-01-01
"This book is a gem. It deserves constant use by all who want easily accessible and accurate plant information."
– Jacqueline M. Newman, Flavor and Fortune 2006-07-01
"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."
– Joan Edwards, Gastronomica: The Journal of Food and Culture 2006-10-01
"Readers [...] will find much of interest in this book. I strongly recommend it."
– Daniel F. Austin, Economic Botany 2006-07-01
