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

by Dan Buettner

Best-selling Blue Zones Kitchen author Dan Buettner spent years uncovering the Blue Zones--the five places around the world where people consistently live to or past, 100--and sharing lifestyle tips and recipes gleaned from these places. Now, creating your own Blue Zone at home is easier than ever, thanks to plant-forward recipes in this inspiring book--all developed right in our own backyard.

In Blue Zones American Kitchen, Buettner uncovers the traditional roots of plant-forward cuisine in the United States. Following the acumen of heritage cooks who have passed their recipes from generation to generation, Buettner uncovers the regions and cultures that have shaped America’s healthiest food landscapes, from Hmong elders living in Minnesota to Quakers in New England. Along the way, he illuminates both traditional and revolutionary ideas in vegetarian food with recipes from chefs like James Beard Award–winner James Wayman, “the Gullah chef” Bill Green, and “the Cod Chef” Dave Smoke-McCluskey.

With wisdom from more than 50 food experts, chefs, and cooks around the country, Buettner’s road trip across America sheds light on some of its most under-recognised plant-forward communities as Buettner shares the ingredients, recipes, and lifestyle tips that will make living to 100 both delicious and easy. And the proof is in the pudding: 49 Blue Zones Project Cities have demonstrated that eating the Blue Zones way can alleviate obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and more.

Filled with 100 tasty recipes, from Pennsylvania Dutch apple dumplings to Southern Hoppin’ John, 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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