The Seed Detective: Uncovering the Secret Histories of Remarkable Vegetables

Adam Alexander's The Seed Detective is a fascinating journey through the history of vegetables, revealing how they were domesticated, where they originated, and the stories behind many of our everyday heroes. It has been chosen as Radio 4's Book of the Year, an Irish Times Best Gardening Book 2023, and is shortlisted for the Garden Media Guilds Garden Book of the Year Award 2023.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing UK

The Seed Detective: A Quest to Save Our Heritage Vegetables





Adam Alexander's captivating book, "The Seed Detective," has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and accolades. Chosen as the Radio 4's "The Food Programme" Book of the Year, it has also been acclaimed as the Irish Times' "Best Gardening Book 2023." Furthermore, it has been shortlisted for the Garden Media Guilds' Garden Book of the Year Award 2023, and longlisted for the esteemed The Art of Eating Prize 2023.

This remarkable book is a must-read for anyone with a passion for vegetables or a curiosity about their origins. In his quest to save our heritage produce, Adam, affectionately known as the Indiana Jones of vegetables, embarks on a thrilling journey to uncover the stories behind everyday staples such as peas, kale, asparagus, beans, squash, and sweetcorn.

Adam's passion for heritage vegetables was sparked when he encountered an unusual, sweet, and fiery pepper during a filmmaking project in Ukraine. Impelled by its exceptional flavor, he embarked on a mission to locate local growers of old and near-forgotten varieties, determined to bring home seeds to grow and share. His efforts not only preserved these precious seeds but also shed light on the fascinating history and cultural significance of these vegetables.

Through "The Seed Detective," Adam shares his far-flung seed-hunting adventures, taking readers on a journey that spans across the globe. He reveals the captivating stories behind many of our everyday vegetable heroes, including how the common garden pea was domesticated from three wild species over 8,500 years ago, how the first carrots originated in Afghanistan and were once purple or red in color, how Egyptian priests considered fava beans a crime to look at, and how the Romans were obsessed with asparagus.

Adam's book is not only a celebration of the diversity and richness of our culinary heritage but also a call to action. He encourages readers to think about our food in new ways and carefully consider where it comes from. He emphasizes the importance of supporting local growers, preserving heirloom varieties, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

With its engaging storytelling, informative content, and stunning photographs, "The Seed Detective" has captivated readers worldwide. It has been praised for its ability to make complex scientific and historical topics accessible and engaging, making it a valuable resource for both gardeners and food enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, "The Seed Detective" by Adam Alexander is a remarkable book that has earned its place among the best in gardening and culinary literature. It is a testament to Adam's dedication, passion, and commitment to preserving our heritage produce. Whether you are a vegetable grower, a food lover, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and diversity of our world, this book is a must-read. By exploring the stories behind our everyday vegetables, Adam has inspired us to think about our food in new ways and to value the rich culinary heritage that surrounds us.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 165 x 237 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915294005