Following on from the success of A Passion for Fruit, this book combines the authoritative text and superb recipes of world-renowned cook Lorenza de'Medici with the outstanding photography of Mike Newton. Brimming with the vitamins and minerals essential to man's well being, vegetables are truly one of the earth's great riches. Yet in the age of mass-produced supermarket produce, it is easy to forget the infinite variety and versatility of the vegetable. Passion for Vegetables celebrates the colours, textures and tastes of this delicious food. Inspired by the still-life traditions of the Dutch and Italian masters of the 17th and 18th centuries especially the Florentine painter Giovanna Garzoni (1600-1670), Mike Newton has created an exquisite collection of photographs that resemble the paintings themselves. A wide variety of vegetables are included, from fresh sun-ripened tomatoes to the season's first asparagus. Lorenza de'Medici complements the superb photography by exploring the historical background, cultivation and culinary uses of vegetables. Using well-loved favourites such as cabbage, potato and leek as well as the more unusual khol rabi and fennel, and colourful vegetables such as aubergine and pimento, she provides recipes for classic dishes, starters, chutneys and preserves as well as a wonderful seleection of savoury dishes. A Passion for Vegetables captures the essence of these vegetables and will inspire cooks, art lovers and gardeners alike.