annieb123's Review of The Blue Zones American Kitchen (The Blue Zones)

by Dan Buettner

The New York Times bestselling author of The Blue Zones Kitchen uncovers the roots of America’s plant-forward cuisines in this culinary road trip.

100 Blue Zones recipes from some of America’s most under-recognized, plant-forward communities, fusing international food traditions in ingenious, uniquely American ways.

In Dan Buettner’s Netflix documentary Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, viewers discovered the blue zones—the five places around the world where people consistently live to 100, and the keys to their longevity.

Creating a Blue Zone here at home is easier than ever, thanks to the vegetarian recipes in this inspiring book. Buettner’s tour of the regions and cultures that have shaped America’s healthiest food landscapes shows the wisdom of heritage cooks found right in our backyard.

A sampling of recipes from America’s Blue Zones communities:
• Indigenous, Native, and Early American: Aina Momona Stew with Taro, Breadfruit, and Sweet Potato
• African American: Hoppin’ John with Carolina Gold Rice and Sapelo Red Peas
• Latin American: Mama’s Zucchini Pupusas
• Asian American: Uttapam (Savory Lentil Pancakes)
• Regional and Contemporary American: Kimchi Jjigae (Korean Kimchi Stew)

Fully illustrated with hundreds of photos and packed with wisdom from more than 50 food experts, chefs, and cooks around the country, The Blue Zones American Kitchen will change your diet—and your life.

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Blue Zones American Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100 is an eclectic collection of plant based indigenous and traditional recipes collected and curated by Dan Buettner. Due out 6th Dec 2022 from National Geographic, it's 304 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

There's an abundance of research showing that healthy eating and lifestyle habits have a profound impact on overall health and longevity. This book is a collection of plant based recipes for supporting a healthy lifestyle with a specific emphasis on living a longer life.The author has researched the traditional dishes and ingredients of the areas of the world whose citizens have the longest lifespans, and has curated recipes enjoyed by those traditional societies.

The recipes are arranged thematically: Indigenous, African American, Latin American, and Regional & Contemporary. Recipes are written with an introduction and background, ingredients in a bullet list, and followed by step by step prep instructions. Ingredients are listed with imperial (American) measurements only. The publisher has included a metric conversion table in the back of the book.

The recipes are varied and quite unusual. Some of the ingredients will definitely require a well stocked healthfood store or co-op, or a large international food store (chlorophyll, benne seeds, jicama). The place where this book really excels is the incredible photography. Each of the recipes is accompanied by one or more color photos. Dishes are beautifully styled and presentations are appealing and attractive. Nutritional info is not calculated for the dishes (which I thought was a little odd).

Four and a half stars.Not sure if it'll make anyone live longer, but good food is a joy and its own reward.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Blue Zones American Kitchen (The Blue Zones)

by Dan Buettner

Reviewed by annieb123 on Oct 22, 2022

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