Book Review

Jekka’s Herb Book

Author: Jekka McVicar

Publisher: Raincoast Books

Released: 2007 (revised edition)

Pages: 297

ISBN 13: 978-1-55192-882-1

ISBN 10: 1-55192-882-5

$29.95 

4 ½ Stars 

Reviewed By: The British Chef 

Jamie Oliver and I agree. As quoted on the front cover, Oliver says ‘Jekka’s is a must-have book for everyone who loves gardening and cooking.’ More than just a book about herbs, Jekka’s Herb Book is a virtual encylopedia of herbs from cultivation to harvesting, from medicinal values, warnings for use, to cooking and storing. It’s a virtual ‘whats what’ of herbs. The book isn’t a ‘dry read’ either, it is full of interesting facts, ideas and stories. 

Aside from a copious amount of information about herbs, Jekka’s Herb Book also includes wonderful recipes where the herbs are used in new, tantalizing and interesting ways. Such as Stir- Fried Vegetables with Vietnamese Coriander, Sorrel & Lettuce Soup, Chicken & Winter Tarragon Parcel, Geranium Leaf Sorbet, and countless other recipes that are elegantly illustrated.    

Jekka’s Herb Book is divided into several sections; propagation, planning your herb garden, herb gardens, herbs in containers, harvesting, herb oils, vinegars and preserves, natural dyes, pests and diseases, yearly calendar, climate, and botanical names. This is of course, after a full A-Z index of our favourite herbs, and some rediscovered ones along the way. Within these latter sections a fabulous chapter is inserted on planning your herb garden; from choosing the right site, preparation of the soil and how to improve the soil and planting. 

Having an affinity for the classics, the section on Sage would have to be my favourite as it opens the segment on an ancient proverb stating ‘how can a man grow old who has sage in his garden?’ Which is a great truth in many ways because when dealing with the care and nurturing of herbs, building a garden of infinite variety, cultivating it to your own special tastes and then administering those herbs into carefully tended dishes, would keep anyone young at heart. Jekka McVicar has that same passion for herbs and has passed that onto readers in this ultimate reference book of everything to do with herbs. Jekka’s Herb Book would be a valued addition in any cooks or gardeners library as both Jamie Oliver and I would agree.