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Grown & Gathered. By Matt & Lentil
(2016 Pan Macmillan RRP $45) Are you feeling dissatisfied with the quality and ethics behind the food you buy and the more than roundabout journey it takes to get to your table? Do you like the idea of growing and preserving your own produce and even foraging for garden runaways, but don’t know where to start? Then Grown and Gathered has the answers you crave. This book gives a solid introduction, and a whole bunch of inspiration, to being more self-sufficient in the garden and beyond. Authors Matt & Lentil are a young and motivated couple who have become successful produce vendors (and more) in the Victoria region. Fortunately, they have put the time into sharing their learnings with us. The couple are honest, modern and objective in their approach to traditional learning, growing food and living; and emphasise that the knowledge and views they have now may well change from those they will possess in the future. Grown & Gathered covers growing your own food (with particular reference to temperate climates); foraging for bounty in your neighbourhood and beyond; preserving the harvest; and the age-old and undeniably satisfying practice of bartering for goods and services. Included are a selection of preserving methods and delicious wholefood recipes. There is a focus on observation in nature: that through observing plant growth throughout the seasons, you will gain invaluable knowledge and skills to growing your own food, and importantly, when to sow, plant and harvest crops. Moreover, readers are advised that these observations and resulting practices will be different depending on the climate and situation you live in. Grown & Gathered is beautifully written, being conversational in nature and easy to read. Grammatically it is of a high standard with no typos to be seen. Images throughout are brilliant, and there are lots of them. This book would make a lovely gift for those embarking on a journey to a more thoughtful and satisfying existence. Grown & gathered is available from reputable book sellers and online. Matt & Lentil also have a lovely website including a blog, recipes and online shop: http://www.grownandgathered.com.au/ |
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