Putting Food By
Fifth Edition
Ruth Hertzberg; Janet Greene; Beatrice Vaughan
BOOK REVIEW

The culinary world is a tapestry woven with history, culture, and the visceral experiences of taste and smell. Amongst this rich backdrop, Putting Food By emerges not merely as a guide, but as a soul-stirring manifesto for anyone yearning to reclaim the art of food preservation. Authored by the remarkable trio of Ruth Hertzberg, Janet Greene, and Beatrice Vaughan, this fifth edition transcends the boundaries of a typical cookbook, inviting you into a realm where every jar stored, every fruit canned, tells a story steeped in tradition, sustainability, and community.
As you delve into the pages of this 464-page opus, you will find yourself swept away by the authors' passion for food preservation-a passionate plea to humanity's intrinsic right to enjoy seasonal bounty year-round. It's about stopping the wastefulness that often pervades modern life, and instead, embracing an age-old practice that not only enhances our culinary repertoire but also fosters connection with each other and the earth.
The book is a compendium of techniques, ranging from canning and freezing, to drying and fermenting. Each method is articulated with clarity and heart, ensuring that even a novice can feel empowered to take action. This isn't simply a how-to guide; it's a motivational beacon illuminating the vast emotional and psychological benefits of putting food by. The authors encourage you to relish the fruits of your labor, both figuratively and literally, as you crack open a cherished jar of your home-canned peaches in the dead of winter.
Let's not forget the historical context echoing throughout this fifth edition. The authors thoughtfully weave in references to the Great Depression and wartime rationing-periods when food preservation was not only practical but a necessity for survival. In times where sustainability is becoming increasingly urgent, Putting Food By serves as a clarion call for a return to self-sufficiency. Readers today resonate with a hunger to not just understand where their food comes from, but to be active participants in its journey from the ground to the pantry.
Critics have not been shy in expressing their views, either. Some laud the book for its thorough, almost reverential, treatment of food preservation, while others argue that certain techniques may feel outdated in our fast-paced, tech-driven world. However, isn't that what makes this work powerful? It offers a rebellious counter-narrative to the convenience-driven culture that shoves us towards disposable lifestyles and bland, mass-produced food. The passionate reviews reflect varied experiences-some readers revive fond memories of grandma's kitchen while others discover an exhilarating new hobby that immerses them in creativity.
Each chapter presents not just recipes but stories that peel back the layers of our relationship with food. You can't help but feel that spark of joy as you envision canning tomatoes straight from your garden, or experimenting with pickling vegetables that evoke colors and crunch-transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. The sentimental undertone pulses through every word, reaffirming that food is not just about sustenance, but also about connection, love, and shared experiences.
Ultimately, Putting Food By is not simply a collection of methods; it is an emotional guide that beckons you to build a more meaningful relationship with the act of feeding yourself and your loved ones. In every jar, in every technique, lies an opportunity for nurturing self-exploration and community enhancement. As the world moves faster and our connection to food dwindles, the authors challenge you to slow down, to appreciate, and to engage deeply with what you eat.
Transform your kitchen into a sanctuary of flavor and memory. Amidst the frenetic pace of modern life, don't hesitate-embrace the wisdom of Putting Food By. Let it inspire you to preserve not just food, but the very fabric of your culinary legacy, one jar at a time. 🌱✨️
📖 Putting Food By: Fifth Edition
✍ by Ruth Hertzberg; Janet Greene; Beatrice Vaughan
🧾 464 pages
2010
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