Mycophilia: Revelations from the Weird World of Mushrooms

By Eugenia Bone

Book Overview

An incredibly versatile cooking ingredient containing an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and possibly cancer-fighting properties, mushrooms are among the most expensive and sought-after foods on the planet. Yet when it comes to fungi, culinary uses are only the tip of the iceberg. Throughout history fungus has been prized for its diverse properties--medicinal, ecological, even recreational--and has spawned its own quirky subculture dedicated to exploring the weird biology and celebrating the unique role it plays on earth. In Mycophilia , accomplished food writer and cookbook author Eugenia Bone examines the role of fungi as exotic delicacy, curative, poison, and hallucinogen, and ultimately discovers that a greater understanding of fungi is key to facing many challenges of the 21st century. Engrossing, surprising, and packed with up-to-date science and cultural exploration, Mycophilia is part narrative and part primer for foodies, science buffs, environmental advocates, and anyone interested in learning a lot about one of the least understood and most curious organisms in nature.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1609619870
• ISBN13: 9781609619879
• Release Date: February 2013
• Publisher: Rodale Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"