Cooking and Gardening with Twelve Families from the Edible Plant Kingdom

In the realm of food and sustenance, the plant kingdom reigns supreme. From the humble carrot to the majestic mango, plants provide us with an array of essential nutrients and culinary delights. However, despite their immense importance, many of us have lost touch with the origins of our food and the plant families from which they stem.

Vegetable Literacy: Cooking and Gardening with Twelve Families from the Edible Plant Kingdom, with over 300 Deliciously Simple Recipes [A Cookbook]

by Deborah Madison

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	42986 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	418 pages

FREE

This comprehensive guide, "Cooking and Gardening with Twelve Families from the Edible Plant Kingdom," aims to bridge that gap. Over the course of 12 chapters, we will embark on a culinary and botanical journey, exploring the diverse families that provide the vast majority of our food.

Through a combination of engaging narrative, practical gardening tips, and mouthwatering recipes, this book will empower you to:

• Identify and grow the edible members of each plant family
• Understand the nutritional value and unique characteristics of different plant groups
• Incorporate a wide variety of plant-based foods into your diet
• Cultivate a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of the natural world

Meet the Twelve Plant Families

The twelve plant families featured in this book are responsible for providing over 90% of the world's food supply. Each family has its own distinct characteristics, nutritional profile, and culinary uses.

1. Grasses (Poaceae): This family includes grains such as wheat, rice, corn, and oats, as well as sugar cane and bamboo.
2. Legumes (Fabaceae): Beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts are all members of the legume family, which is known for its high protein content.
3. Crucifers (Brassicaceae): This family includes vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Nightshades (Solanaceae): Tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants are all members of the nightshade family, which contains both edible and toxic species.
5. Cucurbits (Cucurbitaceae): Cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, and squash are all members of the cucurbit family, which is known for its large, fleshy fruits.
6. Umbellifers (Apiaceae): Carrots, celery, parsley, and dill are all members of the umbellifer family, which is known for its aromatic seeds and leaves.
7. Lilies (Liliaceae): Onions, garlic, asparagus, and chives are all members of the lily family, which is known for its bulbs and edible shoots.
8. Roses (Rosaceae): Apples, pears, plums, cherries, and almonds are all members of the rose family, which is known for its showy flowers and fleshy fruits.
9. Myrtles (Myrtaceae): Cloves, allspice, and guava are all members of the myrtle family, which is known for its aromatic leaves and spices.
10. Laurels (Lauraceae): Bay leaves, cinnamon, and avocado are all members of the laurel family, which is known for its aromatic leaves and fruits.
11. Goosefoots (Chenopodiaceae): Beets, spinach, and quinoa are all members of the goosefoot family, which is known for its salty-tasting leaves and seeds.
12. Figworts (Scrophulariaceae): Tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants are all members of the nightshade family, which contains both edible and toxic species.

Growing and Cooking with the Twelve Plant Families

In addition to providing detailed descriptions of each plant family, this book also includes practical guidance on how to grow and cook with their edible members. You will learn:

• The best growing conditions for each plant
• How to start seeds, transplant seedlings, and care for mature plants
• Harvesting and storage techniques
• Basic cooking methods and recipes for each plant family

"Cooking and Gardening with Twelve Families from the Edible Plant Kingdom" is an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of food and the natural world. Whether you are a seasoned gardener, a passionate cook, or simply someone who wants to make healthier and more sustainable food choices, this book has something to offer you.

By embracing the diversity of the plant kingdom, we can unlock a world of culinary and nutritional possibilities. Let this book be your guide as you embark on a journey of discovery and culinary delight.

Vegetable Literacy: Cooking and Gardening with Twelve Families from the Edible Plant Kingdom, with over 300 Deliciously Simple Recipes [A Cookbook]

by Deborah Madison

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	42986 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	418 pages

FREE