Jekka's Complete Herb Book - Hardcover

Mcvicar, Jekka

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1856261611 ISBN 13: 9781856261616

Publisher: Kyle Cathie, 1994

Synopsis

This A-Z guide to herbs explains how to grow and maintain them, how and when to use them in the kitchen, and what properties they have for medicinal, cosmetic and household purposes. It includes information on each herb's history, such as when it was discovered and what mythological and magical associations have grown up around it. There are also sections on general herb cultivation and maintenance, and tips on cooking with them. The author runs her own herb farm and has won many awards, including a Silver Gilt Medal at the Royal Horticultural Society Exhibition in 1993.

About this title

Review

One of the most definitive books on the subject, "Jekka's Complete Herb Book" is now available in paperback. Written by Jekka McVicar, organic herb grower for over twenty years and regular winner of RHS Gold Medals, this work contains her knowledge of over two decades of organic cultivation for both commercial purposes and pleasure. From the commonly known to the more obscure, 335 different herbs are examined in detail. Fully illustrated, each plant is given its historical background, cultivation details and uses, be it medicinal, culinary or fragrance. Mouth-watering recipes are included where applicable including those for fragrant oils and vinegars. The writing has a natural flow and is full of quirky facts and asides making an informative but entertaining read. Common names such as Good King Henry (Chenopodium bonus-henricus), Balm of Gilead (Cedronella canariensis) and Black Horehound (Ballota nigra) are redolent of their ancient origins. Bee's Balm (Monarda), Meadowsweet (Filipendula) and Evening Primrose (Oenothera) give hints as to their habits and habitats. The less well-known are also covered - the highly scented, aptly named Incense Plant (Calomeria amaranthoides) used in pot pourris, the aphrodisiac Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) with its unusual blotched flowers and the emetic Poke Root (Phytolacca americana) also known as 'Cancer Root'. Original herb garden plans and in-depth propagation details are given together with harvesting, drying and storing techniques. Anyone considering planting herbs be it for pleasure or for their culinary use, in the garden or in containers, cannot go wrong with this valuable well-illustrated guide.

Book Description

An A-Z guide to herbs which explains how to grow and maintain them, how and when to use them in the kitchen, and what properties they have for medicinal, cosmetic and household purposes. It includes information on each herb's history and folklore, and tips on cooking with them.

Edition details

• Publisher: Kyle Cathie
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1856261611
• ISBN 13: 9781856261616
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256