ABSTRACT
Crops were chosen for inclusion in this book primarily on the basis of (1) likelihood to be encountered as imports in the English-speaking, temperate-climate Western world, or by travelers to the remainder of the world; (2) importance, either globally or in particular regions; and (3) limitation of English language information with respect to culinary aspects. Additionally, in recent times many previously obscure edible plants have become prominent, the result of sensationalistic media reports, principally because they are inherently entertaining or socially notable, and a selection of the most interesting of these is also included. Although the choice of the “top 100” exotic food plants has been somewhat personal and arbitrary, the average reader should nd them to be fascinating subjects that are likely to be encountered in day-to-day life and to evoke inquiries about origin, uses, and properties.
