New Book of Herbs

by Jekka McVicar

Book Overview

This lavishly illustrated A-Z reference is a must have for gardeners or anyone interested in the role of fresh herbs in a healthy lifestyle. A unique and innovative combination of cookbook, gardening... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0789489422
• ISBN13: 9780789489425
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley)
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 3.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 8.7" x 11.3"

Customer Reviews

Perfect Content, Not-so-quick-reference Layout

I think this book is perfect for any herb gardener. Full-color photographs on every page and concise, clear explanations lend to a thorough, all-in-one guide to herb gardening and herb use. Pro's: * great photos * clear, concise explanations * step-by-step guides to gardening & harvesting * recipes for lots of uses for herbs (food, pets, first-aid, medicine, relaxation, etc.) * easy for beginners but still FULL of information The first part of the book walks you through gardening (preparing, maintaining, and harvesting), using herbs in the kitchen (cooking), and using herbs at home (cleaning, freshening, medicine, and other health care uses). The second half is one- to two-pages per each of the author's chosen "top 100 herbs," alphabetized by scientific name (don't worry, you'll learn them quickly as you reference the book; otherwise, the index directs you from the common to the scientific name). Within each herb type (for example, "Origanum") are several specifics: "Oregano Acorn Bank," "French Marjoram/ French Oregano," "Oregano/Wild Marjoram," "Cretan Oregano," and "Sweet Marjoram." Most of the herbs have a larger-than-life photo to help you identify them, along with words pointing to descriptions of the leaf, stem, size, etc. Each entry has cross-reference page numbers which are especially good for finding a particular herb's use in the kitchen and home. Con's: * huge (only a con if you're looking for pocket reference; this is more of a coffee-table book) * cross-references don't always point to the relevant harvesting entries The only complaint about the book is the sometimes confusing layout. I mostly use the book for home recipes (cleaning & air freshening, etc.), so I haven't really noticed, but my husband finds it hard to quick-reference some of the items in the "gardening" section. You really need to do a full read-through of the sections on maintenance and harvesting so you'll know where to find this information because it is not consistently cross-referenced from the herb pages (example: you can't pick up the book, turn to "Basil," and find from there how to harvest basil). Once you're familiar with the layout and especially the "garden" section, though, you'll be able to find it all on your own.

this is a wonderful guide for how to use all herbs .

There are many ways this book can help,in domestic uses,medicine remedys cooking great different meals,also it gives you a complete instruction of how to grow them in your garden,and it can help very much for natural ways to cure,and some aspects,regarding health problems,like allergys,and other. excellent¡ IN ALL ASPECTS.

Best color photos of herbs for better identification!!! Must have.

This is a great reference book if you are trying to identify herbs as well as use them. I found the color photos wonderful and very professional. The data on each as well as the basic information overall is very useful. I recommend this to everyone who is serious about herbs.

Herbs for the Garden, Kitchen, Home and Health

"Once you start growing and using herbs, I defy anyone not to become hooked." ~Jekka McVicar If you are thinking of growing your own herb garden, I can't think of a more detailed and interesting book on the subject. You will find information about how to attract butterflies to your garden or the reason Queen Victoria requested that jam be made from Chilean guava berries. Have you ever read about a "curry leaf" in a recipe? Well, there is information in this book on how you can grow your own plant, but probably only in a greenhouse. A greenhouse seems essential if you are really serious about gardening. Jekka McVicar is a popular radio and television personality. She has helped to revitalize the traditional use of herbs and shows how herbs can enhance your home, health and garden. Jamie Oliver calls her the "queen of herbs." Now I understand why he loves cooking with so many herbs. My favorite section was the "kitchen" section where you can learn how to make everything from "borage ice cubes" to "roasted vegetables with herbs." Some of the highlights include: 1. An A-Z of the top 100 herbs - Half the book is dedicated to pictures, cultivation techniques, harvesting tips and uses. 'After trying to grow French lavender from seeds (Hardy Lavender has more of a chance), I see the plants are best grown from cuttings taken in the spring. It seems only the "lavandula stoechas French Lavender" will grow from seeds and probably only inside with extra warmth, in "coir/bark/perlite," and covered with perlite (naturally occurring siliceous rock with a neutral pH). I had never even heard of "perlite" before and this was all very enlightening for me. Coir is the outside layer of husk surrounding the shell of a coconut and bark would just be tree bark, but you need a fine grade bark and not fresh green bark. Finally, I realize why the poor little seeds I planted had no chance of germinating. 2. Organic Gardening - Many of the herbs can be mixed in with your vegetable garden. If you grow beans, you might want to grow "blue borage flowers" alongside as they will attract bees that will pollinate the beans, producing a larger harvest. 3. Lists of plants that will grow best in sand, clay, chalk, loam type soils. 4. Designing an Herb Garden 5. Detailed information on growing herbs from seeds, hardwood cuttings, layering, root cuttings and root division. 6. Using Herbs in Petcare Ever since discovering a lavender furniture oil, I wondered how I could make my own. In the "Home" section, there are recipes for Natural furniture polish, upholstery shampoo and even herbal window cleaner. You might also want to make up an herbal first-aid kit. If you have ever steamed your face, you will appreciated the added benefit of herbs like lemon verbena or spearmint. There are recipes for mouthwash, shampoo, face packs, nail strengthener, bath tonics, bath bags and a foot bath. Having trouble sleeping? You can make a "hop pillow." The Top 100 herbs include: Yar