From the familiar bean family to the more exotic samphire, this comprehensive visual reference catalogues over 180 different vegetables. All are photographed for easy identification with information on seasonal availability, buying, preparation and cooking, and a selection of recipes.

"From roots and shoots, almonds to zucchini, field and forest to the family table-this delectable guide reveals the intriguing stories of the world's favorite food plants. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables, and Herbs covers every edible plant you can imagine. It invites us on a gorgeously illustrated tour through the world garden to discover the origins, traditions, and contemporary culture of more than 450 fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, herbs, and spices. It's the explorative home cook's best friend in the kitchen, an edible guide for the vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. Splashed with hundreds of appetizing images and written by top culinary and horticultural experts, it also tells individual stories in an extensive directory of species which lists geographical origins, botanical facts, traditional uses, and culinary tips for hundreds of plants."--provided by Amazon.com.

The demand for locally sourced organic foods continues to rise. This resource is a prime reference for the many who are growing or wanting to grow their own vegetables, herbs and fruits. The book features superb full-color photographs and illustrations and an easy-to-use A-Z directory. Comprehensive growing, harvesting and preserving tips and a wealth of recipes are a boon to gardeners and cooks alike. Practical aspects of gardening are explained in detail, with in-depth sections on creating a garden, pollination, soil fertility and greenhouse growing. Some of the topics covered are: Nutritional values The most useful and most recommended varieties Plant hardiness, propagation and growing guidelines Cropping, harvesting and storing Weed, pest and disease control Ornamental and wildlife value Pruning and training Companion planting Container growing. A yearly maintenance calendar, glossary, further reading section, seed sources list and detailed index round out this outstanding book.

This beautifully photographed guide comprehensively details the fruits of the world and how to use them in the kitchen.

Ever wanted to know the genus name for a coconut? Intended for all your research needs, this encyclopedia is a comprehensive collection of information on temperate and tropical fruit and nut crops. Entries are grouped alphabetically by family and then by species, making it easy to find the information you need. Coverage includes palms and cacti as well as vegetable fruits of Solanaceae and Curcurbitacea. This book not only deals with the horticulture of the fruit and nut crops but also discusses the botany, making it a useful tool for anyone from scientists to gardeners and fruit hobbyists.

Praise for the previous edition: "These three amazing authors have put together a must-have book for any vegetable grower." -- Washington Gardener "What is not included in this definitive and beautifully illustrated sourcebook on edible landscape?" -- The American Herb Association "Satisfying ... There's an abundance of information and tantalizing pictures." -- The New York Times The first edition of Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit was published in 2006. All editions and formats sold more than one million copies and it quickly became a classic reference. A decade later, this edition adds a new jacket, updates the design, and expands by 60 new pages for a total of over 70 vegetables, 100 herbs and 100 popular fruits. The most current information on plant varieties and cultivation techniques make it the essential sourcebook for all food gardeners, especially for anyone who would like to start growing organic produce, and who feels they need some expert advice. The coverage is phenomenal -- from the care of asparagus through the seasons to the huge number of apples that can be grown in even the smallest spaces. Lavish illustrations in an accessible layout, and clear and accurate text applicable to all regions invite readers to browse and try growing something new. The listings open with a large photograph of the plant and a description. The topics include: species and common names; recommended varieties; cultivation techniques (propagation, growing, maintenance); container growing; harvesting and storing; pests and diseases; companion planting; medicinal uses; culinary uses, with recipes; and other uses and warnings. Additional images show other parts of the plant during the seasons, as well as recipe photographs.