"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.