Organic & Wholefoods

I have most of the culinaria books, and this is just like the others, full of history and beautiful pictures, in addition to the recipes .... i consider these books almost travelogues .... the history of the foods is well presented, although with some errors in the microbiology, such as "blue mold bacteria", but these are insignificant ..... i recommend this book, and all the culinaria texts, to everyone ....

I have many of the cookbooks in the culinaria series and like them all. These books are not true cookbooks since they have much more information than books that consist of only recipes. This cookbook has many good recipes, a lot of information about organic and whole foods and fantastic pictures. Organic and whole foods are more expensive than conventional mass-produced products; but, if you can cook, it is always less expensive than buying prepared foods -- and you know exactly what you're eating.

This book is very, very comprehensive. If you have a question about Organic or Whole foods there is a strong probability that the topic has been covered in this book. For those that are curious, this is NOT a vegetarian or vegan cookbook. A full 20% of this book is dedicated to animals and/or animal products exclusively. However, if you are a vegetarian there are many recipes for you in this book as well. The authors cover everything from the definition of organic through recipes, and finally organic sources One of favorite recipes in this book has to be the Eggplant balls. They are like meatballs, only using eggplant instead. These have even been consumed by devote carnivores without complaint. My other favorite is a whole-wheat baked ravioli with sauerkraut in the Friulian (a region of Italy) style that is also very good. Be warned, this book is huge. The overall size is that of a coffee table book, and it is 460 pages. It is a workout just to get this book off the bookshelf and carry it into the kitchen. But your efforts will be rewarded. The book is full of beautiful photography, and the recipes are delicious. I highly recommend this book to anyone that makes to make more healthy food for themselves or their family.

Organic & Wholefoods is a book of beautiful photography and extensive and instructional text on all categories of food and ingredients, preparation and cultivation. I have never seen a book on these subjects done so satisfyingly well. It begins with definitions, history, and some basic nutrition to orient one and explain how "organic" really does come from and create health. Then, in inspirationally beautiful and intelligent fashion, the food categories are covered. Historical, cultural, horticultural and culinary information is presented. (also exciting recipes!) The animal and animal products sections are fabulously well done, too. There is a section on herbs, on oils & vinegars, on drinks...nothing is left out. The last few sections cover the kitchen, the organic garden and organic farming itself. This book is a feast and yet not intimidating or overwhelming. I'm "gushing", I know, but I have never found anything even close to this amazing. This book is inextinguishably thrilling.