The seed detective : uncovering the secret histories of remarkable vegetables Cover Image

Book

The seed detective : uncovering the secret histories of remarkable vegetables / Adam Alexander ; foreword by Professor Tim Lang.

Alexander, Adam (Producer) (author.). Lang, Tim, (writer of foreword.).

Summary:

"Have you ever wondered how everyday staples such as peas, kale, asparagus, beans, squash and corn ended up on our plates? In The Seed Detective, seed guardian and award-winning film and television producer Adam Alexander tells of his far-flung seed-hunting adventures, revealing the surprising histories behind many of our everyday vegetables. How the common garden pea was domesticated over 8,500 years ago; that the first carrots originated in Afghanistan (and were actually purple or red in colour); how Egyptian priests considered it a crime to look at a fava bean and the Romans were fanatical about asparagus. Through tales of globalisation, political intrigue, colonization and serendipity, Adam shows us the vital role vegetables have played in our food story -- and how they are the undeniable key to our future." -- from back cover.

Record details

ISBN: 9781915294081 (paperback)
ISBN: 1915294088 (paperback)
ISBN: 9781915294005
ISBN: 1915294002
Physical Description: xiv, 306 pages ; 23 cm
Publisher: White River Junction, Vermont ; Chelsea Green Publishing, [2022]
Copyright: ©2022

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 283-292) and index.

Formatted Contents Note:

Part one. Visitors from the East -- The tale of four peas or four tall stories -- A broad bean far from home -- Orange is not the only color -- In search of a Welsh leek -- Of caulis, krambē and braske -- An aspiring spear -- For the love of a leaf -- Thank goodness for garlic -- Part two. Arrivals from the West -- More than just a fruit -- A very uncommon bean -- The colour of corn -- The tale of two classy beans -- Some like 'em hot -- Not just for Hallowe'en -- And finally : seeds of hope.