Food Plants of the World is a comprehensive overview of the plants that provide us with food, beverages, spices and flavours. It is written in easy language but gives accurate scientific information on the plants and their uses.
Author: Ben-Erik van Wyk
ISBN: 9781920217945
Extent: 520 pages
FORMAT: 240 x 168 mm
Hard cover, full colour throughout
Plants and plant-derived products make up the bulk of what we eat and drink every day, and people often wonder where their favourite food or drink comes from. This scientifically accurate photographic guide provides quick and colourful answers. Food Plants of the World (revised) is a comprehensive overview of the plants that provide us with food, beverages, spices and flavours. It is written in easy language but gives accurate scientific information on the plants and their uses.
The book includes:
- Descriptions of more than 350 food and flavour plants and their close relatives. For each plant, the following information is given: plant description, origin, history, cultivation, harvesting, properties and culinary uses.
- More than 1000 excellent full-colour photographs, showing the plants, flowers and actual plant parts used.
- Introductory chapters on each of the various categories of plant use: cereals, pulses (legumes), nuts & seeds, fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs, sugar plants, beverages, spices & flavourings.
- Interesting facts about the historical and contemporary uses of the various plant-derived products.
- A quick guide and checklist of more than 800 of the most important and well-known food plants of the world, listed according to scientific name but giving the common names, family name, region of origin, plant parts used, and major nutrients.
International Versions

Timber Press
ISBN: 0-88192-743-0
Printed: 2005, reprinted 2006
Rights: USA, Canada & UK

Marshall Cavendish
ISBN: 981-261-165-7
Printed 2005
Rights: South East Asia (excl. Australia & New Zealand

Blooming Books
ISBN: 0-88192-743-0
Printed 2005
Rights: Australia & New Zealand

Wissenschaftliche Verlagesgesellschaft mbH
ISBN: 3-8047-2246-6
PRINTED: 2005
Rights: World Rights For German Language
Contact us for regional and language rights






