The New American Herbal by Stephen Orr Book Review

From modern garden master Stephen Orr comes a new, definitive book on herbs to finally replace the dusty and outdated classics. Here are entries on hundreds of plants that are extraordinarily useful in cooking, homeopathy, and more; dozens of recipes and DIY projects; and beautifully styled photographs so you know just what you're growing.

With more than 900 entries, each accompanied by brand new photography and helpful growing advice, The New American Herbal takes the study of herbs to an exciting new level. Orr covers the entire spectrum of herbaceous plants, from culinary to ornamental to aromatic and medicinal, presenting them in an easy to use A to Z format packed with recipes, DIY projects, and stunning examples of garden design highlighting herbal plantings. Learn about the herbs you've always wanted to grow (chervil, chamomile, and lovage), exotic herbs (such as Artemisia, the bitter herb used in Absinthe, or the anti-inflammatory Meadowsweet), and ornamental varieties (Monkshood and Perilla). For cooks there is indispensable guidance on planting and maintaining a bountiful kitchen garden and crafters will delight in dozens of exciting new uses for fresh, dried, and distilled herbs. Here, too, are 40 delicious recipes such as Ragu Bolognese with Fennel and Lemon Semolina Cake with Lavender, as well easy steps for projects such as a hanging herb garden and instructions on how to plant, dry, and preserve your garden’s bounty.

Meticulously researched and exhaustive in its scope, The New American Herbal is an irresistible invitation to explore the versatility of herbs in all their beauty and variety.

My Thoughts:

I have had an interest the last few years in learning more about herbs and even essential oils. I have been on the lookout for a comprehensive guide on herbs.

What do I like about this book?

The herbs are listed in order from A-Z for ease of finding. Every herb has a full color picture that you can easily identify. I really liked the picture of each herb in this book. It gives you the herb type, origin, how to grow successfully, and some information on safety of the herb. Another feature I like on each herb is that it tells me what zone for growing the herbs in successfully. The book tells you if the herb is a perennial or annual plant. Another thing I like is that the herbs are listed in the common and botanical name. That is very helpful to know both names of herbs.

The chapters are intriguing. Some of my favorite topics covered in this book:

Harvesting Herbs

Propagating Herbs

Herbs that Heal Wounds

Herb Drying Techniques

Working with Essential Oils

Garden Projects

Kitchen Projects

Trees and Shrubs Used as Herbs

Herbs and Older Traditions

Controversial Herbs

That is just a few topics covered in this book. Some of the information is just the basics but it gives you a bit of information to get started.

There are also 45 recipes using varies herbs. Most of the recipes are pretty simple recipes that are appealing.

The back of the book has a nice section for resources:

Herbal Writings from the Past

Recommended Reading and Sources

Educational and Online Sources

Herb Seeds and Plants where to buy

Dried Herbs, Extracts, Essential Oils, and Herbal Products and where to buy them.

Some Public Gardens to visit.

This is a very impressive book on herbs. I wish it had a bit more information on medicinally using the herbs. Some herbs have more information than others. I will be used often in my home from everything from growing herbs, to drying, and some basic information.

  

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from Blogging for Books- Waterbrook for free in order to write this review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and were not subject to editing from the publisher.