Description

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Discover why Roman gladiators were massaged with onion juice before battle, how celery contributed to Casanova’s conquests, how peas almost poisoned General Washington, and why some seventeenth-century turnips were considered degenerate. Rebecca Rupp tells the strange and fascinating history of 23 of the world’s most popular vegetables. Gardeners, foodies, history buffs, and anyone who wants to know the secret stories concealed in a salad are sure to enjoy this delightful and informative collection. 

About the Author

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Rebecca Rupp has written more than a dozen books for children and adults, including Weather! and How Carrots Won the Trojan War. She holds a PhD in cell biology and biochemistry and has written hundreds of articles for magazines, including Country Journal, Early American Life, Mother Earth News, Natural History, and Utne Reader. She lives in Vermont.

Praise For…

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“Rebecca Rupp has done us the favor of serving up a savory history of something many of us don’t think much about—vegetables. . . . How Carrots Won the Trojan War assembles a palatable cornucopia of these stories, both satisfying and delicious.” —Edible Notes

"Honestly, this might be the most delightful, laugh-yourself-silly title to make its way onto the garden bookshelf in a long, long time."

How Carrots Won the Trojan War: Curious (But True) Stories of Common Vegetables is a delightful romp into the history of the vegetables gracing our common tables from noted expert and author Rebecca Rupp.