The New American Herbal 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From modern garden master Stephen Orr comes a new, definitive book on herbs to finally replace the dusty and outdated classics.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.

Where do I even begin with this book? I wanted to review it because I knew my husband would love it. The has an amazing garden and we do grow a lot of herbs. We use them in cooking and for medicine. 

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The New American Herbal has everything, I mean everything you want to know about herbs. It goes in depth about the tastes, Chinese herbal medicine, native american herbs, and the pictures are amazing!!

 It even has recipes like Red Hibiscus Ice Cream and Lavender Leaf Semolina Cake. The New American Herbal is a must have for anyone who cooks and/or has a garden. 

STEPHEN ORR is the author of Tomorrow’s Garden and the former Editorial Director for Gardening for Martha Stewart Living. Previously he was the garden editor for House & Garden magazine and has written extensively for Domino,The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. He has been a regularly featured gardening expert on The CBS Early Show and Today, and lectures at garden clubs around the country. Orr writes about extraordinary gardens on his blog, What the Skies Were Like.
Photo © David Reid