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Vanilla: The Cultural History of the World's Favorite Flavor and Fragrance

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:29:58 +0100

As the author notes, it is very odd that the term vanilla has come to represent plainness and simplicity. It only shows how much we have learned to take for granted the rare and complex flavor and perfume of the seedpods of this highly prized orchid. Although the origins of vanilla are shrouded in pre-Columbian Mexican history, Cortes and his troops became aware of it and chocolate at nearly the same time and introduced Europeans to vanilla's savory and olfactory delights. Rain meticulously traces vanilla's history and manufacture in Mexico and follows its gradual transplantation to other tropical climes. Thanks to hybridization and continuing strong demand for vanilla, plantations have sprung up everywhere the fussy vanilla orchid can flourish and wherever there is sufficient hand labor to cultivate it. Country by country, Rain outlines the history of vanilla production, the economic impact of its processing, and the unique local characteristics of each area's vanilla. Illustrations supplement the text, and recipes appear in sidebars from both historic and contemporary

The Book of Tea

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:13:26 +0100

Any self-respecting tea-lover should own this book, which lists all the tea-producing nations. From its cultivation to the beverage, harvesting and processing, tealeaves unveil all their secrets. Several tearooms and specialty stores in Paris and London have also been explored carefully. Finally, a glossary and recipes will round off this mouth-watering and enriching ride.

Délices du thé

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:13:19 +0100

After 900 billion cups a year, tea has become a celebration, an art de vivre. From Japan to England, China, Vietnam and Morocco, the author goes over this universal religion - which has managed to fit with the personality of each country - and proposes thirty different ways of preparing and serving tea. Illustrations by Jacques Boulay.

Les Pouvoirs de l'Odeur

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:13:15 +0100

Here is a philosophical take on the symbolic powers of smells in myth and religion. This book makes a fascinating exploration of the relationshipbetween smell and sexuality since Antiquity and of the relationship between the subconscious and the powers of smell. Read this and you'll see whypsychoanalysts have always been a bit wary about the fifth sense.

Le Citron, histoire, petites histoires et recettes

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:13:14 +0100

To learn all there is to know about lemons and citrus fruit in general have a look at this book. The history and theory of lemons? It's all in here along with some very tempting illustrations. The second half of the book is devoted to mouth watering recipes.

Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedia of Cigars, 2001 edition

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:12:35 +0100

The Good Cigar

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:12:33 +0100

The Cigar Connoisseur : An Illustrated History and Guide to the World's Finest Cigars

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:12:32 +0100

The Cigar

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:12:31 +0100

Blowing Smoke : Being a Compendium of Amusing Anecdotes, Witty Ripostes, and Lengthy Literary Passages on the Glories of the Cigar

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:12:30 +0100