Examines basic concepts of ecology and practical techniques from composting and food preservation to solar water heating and alternative energy sources to create a sustainable lifestyle.

Discusses the history of food, from early hunter-gatherers and domesticating animals for food to the science behind food preservation, produce cultivation, artificial flavor enhancers, and genetic modification.

'Backyard Homesteading' addresses the needs of many people who want to take control of the food they eat and the products they use--even if they live in an urban or suburban house on a typical-size lot. It shows homeowners how to turn their yard into a productive and wholesome 'homestead' that allows them to grow their own fruits and vegetables and raise farm animals.

Offers directions for canning, freezing, drying, pickling, and smoking foods and creating soups, vegetables, main courses, and desserts from preserved foods.

"Prepare for worst-case scenarios whatever your living space. Our comfortable urban lives can be disrupted at a moment's notice. Whether by global disasters such as pandemic or war, or local catastrophes such as wildfires, floods or supply issues; you need to know how to respond to a variety of emergencies. Jim Cobb, an authority on disaster readiness, introduces you to techniques and strategies to prepare your home and loved ones. These simple measures--designed...

"In Wildcrafted Fermentation, Baudar describes in detail how to create bold, exotic ferments at home from the wild and cultivated plants in your local landscape or garden. From sauerkrauts and kimchis to rich pastes, soups, hot sauces, and dehydrated spice blends, he includes more than 100 easy-to-follow, plant-based recipes to rewild your probiotic palate. Step-by-step photos illustrate foraging, preparation, and fermentation techniques that will...

"Classic French preserving techniques updated for a modern audience. Preserve fruit, vegetables, meat and fish with a beautifully illustrated guide from France's favorite food author. Enjoy local, fresh, organic food throughout the year. With more than 350 classic French recipes, both home cooks and chefs will learn traditional techniques for sweet and savory preserving, as well as smoking, pickling, and making charcuterie. France's favorite food...

"The refrigerator may seem mundane nowadays, but it is one of the wonders of twentieth-century science--lifesaver, food preserver, social liberator. Part historical narrative, part scientific decoder, Chilled looks at early efforts to harness the cold at the ice pits of Persia (Iranians still call their fridges the "ice pit") and ice harvests on the Regents Canal. As people learned more about what cold actually was, scientists invented machines for...