Kentucky Heirloom Seeds: Growing, Eating, Saving

Saving seeds to plant for next year's crop has been crucial for survival, but multinational companies took over in the 20th century. Recently, farmers and home gardeners are receiving credit for preserving heirloom plants, preserving good taste and food heritage. Kentucky Heirloom Seeds: Growing, Eating, Saving explores the art of seed saving and sustainable agriculture, featuring interviews with seed savers from Eastern Kentucky and generations of gardeners.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky

For millennia, saving seeds to plant for the following year's crop has been essential to survival across the globe. However, the 20th century saw a significant takeover of seed producers by multinational corporations seeking to select varieties ideal for mechanical harvest, long-distance transportation, and long shelf life. Despite the rise of the Slow Food and farm-to-table movements in recent years, farmers and home gardeners who have quietly persisted in the age-old habit of conserving heirloom plants are finally receiving recognition for their crucial role in preserving both good taste and the world's rich food heritage.

Kentucky Heirloom Seeds: Growing, Eating, Saving is a captivating exploration of the art of seed saving and the practice of sustainable agriculture. Authors Bill Best and Dobree Adams trace the tradition's roots back to a 700-year-old Native American farming village in north-central Kentucky. While Best offers tips for planting and growing beans and shares his family's favorite varieties for the table, the heart of the book lies in the incredible interviews with seed savers, primarily from Eastern Kentucky and from generations of gardeners who saved seeds to feed their families. These individuals have dedicated their lives to preserving and sharing heirloom varieties. This book vividly documents the social relevance and historical significance of the rituals of sowing, cultivating, eating, saving, and sharing.

The tradition of seed saving has deep roots in Kentucky, dating back to the Native American farming village mentioned earlier. The book highlights the importance of heirloom varieties and the knowledge and expertise passed down through generations of gardeners. Seed savers are portrayed as passionate individuals who are dedicated to preserving the diversity of seeds and ensuring their availability for future generations.

One of the key themes of the book is the social relevance of seed saving. Heirloom seeds are often associated with traditional and cultural practices, and they play a significant role in maintaining community identity and heritage. By saving and sharing heirloom seeds, farmers and gardeners can connect with their roots and preserve the cultural heritage of their communities.

Moreover, seed saving is closely linked to sustainable agriculture. Heirloom varieties are often more resilient and adapted to local conditions, making them more suitable for organic and regenerative farming practices. By conserving these varieties, farmers can reduce their reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, promote soil health, and protect biodiversity.

The interviews with seed savers provide valuable insights into their experiences and practices. They share stories of the challenges they face, such as the loss of traditional knowledge and the pressure from corporations to adopt modern varieties. However, they also express their resilience and determination to continue their work.

One of the standout features of Kentucky Heirloom Seeds: Growing, Eating, Saving is the beautiful photographs that accompany the text. The photographs showcase the diversity and beauty of heirloom seeds, and they help to illustrate the importance of preserving these varieties.

In conclusion, Kentucky Heirloom Seeds: Growing, Eating, Saving is a must-read for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, food heritage, and the art of seed saving. The book provides a rich and evocative exploration of the tradition and the individuals who have dedicated their lives to preserving it. By highlighting the social relevance and historical significance of seed saving, the book encourages readers to embrace this age-old practice and contribute to the preservation of our food heritage for future generations.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813183749