reviews

The Vegetable Book


Written by Colin Spencer

This book, beautifully illustrated by Emma Dibben takes a look at over 100 vegetables along with their history, their culinary uses and their current social standing within our increasingly convenience-driven lifestyles.

Colin Spencer lovingly resurrects roots, leaves, stems and tubers from the depths of obscurity and urges his readers to try vegetables, traditional and exotic in a whole host of delicious ways. What makes Spencer's narrative so difficult to stop reading is his ability to incorporate historical anecdotes, medicinal benefits and mouth-watering recipes for every vegetable he touches on.

He roots through veggie fact and myth, exploring the reason we turn our noses up at the whiff of garlic and onions and unearthing which vegetables really do serve as an aphrodisiac. A must read for vegetarians and veggie lovers.