The Kitchen & Garden Book of Herbs: Knowing Growing Cooking

A comprehensive visual A-Z botanical directory of herbs for easy plant identification Full descriptions and information on history, habitat and cultivation, related species and uses of the herbs, with many detailed features on major herbs How to design various styles of herb garden, with examples, planting lists and illustrated plans, from kitchen gardens, knot gardens, raised beds and herb wheels to informal beds and borders, containers and window boxes Expert advice on planting and cultivation techniques, including step-by-step propagation, planting, training, care and maintenance, harvesting, drying, preserving and storing More than 150 delicious and unusual recipes that make the most of fresh herbs, from soups, snacks and fresh salads to delectably fragrant fish, meat, rices, breads and desserts û each beautifully illustrated with step-by-step shots and the final mouth-watering dish Contains a wealth of ideas for culinary uses, ranging from herb oils and vinegars, cordials, teas and tisanes to pickles, preserves, condiments and sugars Over 1500 stunning colour photographs of herbs, herb gardens and herb recipes Herbs have highly regarded by different cultures throughout history. Today, they are prized for their range of scents and seasoning qualities as much as their medicinal properties, and they are widely used both in the kitchen and as an integral ingredient in natural remedies - as well as being appreciated as garden plants of beauty and fragance. This comprehensive book contains everything you need to know about successfully growing and cooking with these versatile and robust plants, including expert advice on choosing which plants to grow and where to grow them, as well as instructive step-by-step techniques to guide you through the entire growing process, from planning and preparation to harvesting, drying and preserving. There are garden designs with illutrated plans to follow, from knot gardens to raised beds, herb wheels and herb containers. The botanical A-Z directory of herbs contains over 250 indvidually photographed herbs with plant descriptions. Essential information on habitat, cultivation, and the parts of the herb used for their culinary fragrance or medicinal properties, is given. Many herbs have a natural affinity with food, and they can be used both to complement and enliven ingredients in a subtle way or permeate the whole dish with a deliciously pungent scent. Chopped, torn and sprinkled, herbs add interest to a whole variety of dishes from soups and summery salads to warm herby breads, meat and poultry, fish, vegetable dishes, cakes, desserts and ices. Over 150 aromatic dishes to try include Sorrel, Spinach and Dill Soup and Herby Plaice Croquettes to Baked Herb Crepes, Warm Herby Bread and Garden Flower Pavlova. Herbs can also be used to flavour teas, drinks, cordials, sugars, salts, butters, stocks, sauces, chutneys and marinades, and for decorative garnishes. With over 1500 stunning colour photographs and easy-to-follow expert advice to help you, harness the scent, flavour and health benefits of these deliciously versatile plants, both in the garden and at the dinner table.