Book Description

GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS.It’s a phrase ripped from the headlines, guaranteed to spark heated debate and generate contentious discussions.Concerned Europeans march in opposition to GM foods. African ports have been barricaded to prevent the unloading of genetically modified corn, despite the urgent needs of starving people.Canadians have mailed slices of bread to their prime minister to protest the use of genetically modified wheat. And in Australia, Greenpeace activists attached themselves to a cargo ship with magnets and painted "Stop GE imports" on its hull in their campaign against genetically modified food.

The truth is we’ve been changing the genetic makeup of our food for millennia, coaxing nature to do our bidding.Long before scientists understood what genes were and how they worked, early civilizations created wheat and corn. These crops, so very different from their wild grassy ancestors, represent man’s early ventures in altering evolution. In time, plant breeders learned to stir up plant genes faster, using novel breeding methods, chemicals, and even radiation to produce such marvels as white blackberries and red grapefruit.

But it was the curiosity of a 19th-century Augustinian monk, Gregor Mendel, that ushered in the modern era of genetics.Mendel spent countless hours in his garden crossing pea plants to find out just how traits were inherited, finally arriving at the idea of the gene, the unit of inheritance that is at the heart of today’s plant breeding strategies.

Mendel’s genetics turned molecular when Watson and Crick unveiled the structure of DNA in 1953.Within a few short decades, genes were understood to be DNA sequences that code for proteins using a universal genetic code.Genes could be moved easily between different organisms without losing their identity or changing their function.But the new terms that entered agriculture -- genetic engineering, biotechnology, genetic modification -- were disquieting.People began to ask questions about foods that they’d never asked plant breeders before:Is it safe to eat?Are these foods natural?Isn’t it dangerous to fool with genes?

Nina Fedoroff, a leading expert in plant molecular biology and genetics, looks at the many issues raised by contemporary techniques for modifying food plants. She answers the most commonly asked questions -- and some we didn’t think to ask. Fedoroff and her co-author, science writer Nancy Marie Brown, weave a narrative rich in history, technology, and science to dispel myths and misunderstandings. In the end, Fedoroff argues, the new molecular approaches hold the promise of being the most environmentally conservative way to increase our food supply, helping us to become better stewards of the earth while enabling us to feed ourselves and generations to come. ... Read more

Book Description

System architects and engineers in fields such as storage networking, desktop computing, electrical power distribution, and telecommunications need a common and flexible way of managing heterogeneous devices and services. Web-Based Enterprise Management (WBEM) and its Component Information Model (CIM) provide the architecture, language, interfaces, and common models for the management of storage, computing, and telecommunication applications. Now there is a practical guide for those who design or implement the emerging WBEM systems or produce a CIM model of a device or service. Using Web-Based Enterprise Management describes in detail WBEM/CIM architecture and explores the standard models developed by the Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF). It explores the interfaces with which your WBEM/CIM code will have to work, and offers examples of applicable models and related code. This book introduces the components of WBEM architecture, defines models within CIM, and illustrates communication between the WBEM client and server. It also investigates transitioning from SNMP or proprietary systems to WBEM/CIM.Realizing that the field is undergoing a period of massive growth and change, the author focuses primarily on the areas which have been standardized and which differ little between implementations. He does, however, provide coding examples using the openPegasus implementation, demonstrating concepts common to other C++ and Java-based implementations. ... Read more

Book Description

This new book meets the need for a comprehensive, up-to-date review of wheat chemistry, processing and uses. It provides the reader with extensive new information on wheat components that will be useful in better commercial utilization of wheat and the formulation of new and upgraded wheat-based food products. The book serves as a one-volume information resource for all those involved in the research, development, formulation, and evaluation of wheat-based food products. From the Authors' PrefaceWheat continues to be one of the world's most important grains, especially as a food, where the unique properties of its products can be utilized to advantage. It provides an excellent example of a natural product from which a wide range of useful by-products can be made. This book discusses the components of the wheat kernel, which provide interesting examples of study of carbohydrate and protein chemistry, as well as lipids, minerals and vitamins. This book should serve as a useful reference for the cereal chemist, as well as chemists and food technologists in those industries in which by-products of flour are used, e.g., the confectionery industry in which modified starches and starch syrups are used. In addition, nutritionists, dieticians, and many kinds of researchers will find chapters of interest. Particular attention is given to particle-size determinations, an important area in food processing, and to the role of wheat proteins in gluten intolerance and wheat allergy. . . . Both the milling of wheat and flour quality are discussed in order to give the reader an idea of the distribution of the major components and the importance of proper size reduction. The book also has a chapter on wet milling of wheat flour . . . and chapters on the properties and uses of wheat starch, starch syrups, and chemically modified wheat starch. ContentsEach chapter ends with a section of references. 1.The Wheat Kernel - Introduction - The Structure of the Wheat Kernel - Wheat Production - Wheat Quality - Wheat Utilization - Dietary Considerations and Food Value of Wheat - The Lipids of Wheat - The Enzymes of Wheat - The Pigments of Wheat - Comparison of Wheat with Other Cereals - Animal Feeds 2.The Milling of Wheat - Introduction - Cleaning and Conditioning - Milling Techniques - Yields of Wheat Flour and By-products - Composition of Wheat Flour and Its By-products - Flour Quality - Air Classification of Flour - Utilization of Flour and Its By-products in the Baking Industry 3.The Wet-milling of Wheat Flour - Introduction - Types of Processes - Refining of Starch by Centrifugal Methods - Particle Size Analysis of Starch - Minor Constituents - Further Purification of Commercial Wheat Starch 4.The Composition, Properties and Uses of Wheat Starch - Introduction - Composition of Wheat Starch - Properties and Reactivity of Starch - Gelatinization of Starch in Hot Water - Retrogradation of Starch Gels - Rheology of Starch Gels - Pregelatinized Starch - Industrial Starch Quality - Industrial Uses of Wheat Starch 5.Starch Syrups - Introduction - Syrups from Acidic Hydrolysis - Purification of Syrups - Syrup Additives - Syrups from Enzymic Hydrolysis - Uses of Starch Syrups - Analysis and Tests on Starch Syrups 6.Chemically Modified Wheat Starches and Their Uses - Introduction - Starches in the Paper-making Industry - Thin-boiling Starches - Starch-based Adhesives - Starch Ethers - Starch Esters - Oxidized Starches - Starch Xanthates - Cationic Starches - Modification of Starch by the Use of Additives 7.Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins - Introduction - Amino Acids - Simple Peptides - Polypeptides/Proteins - Protein Synthesis - Reactions of Proteins - Reactions Used for Determination of Protein Structure - Isolation of Proteins - Determination of Protein Content - Determination of Protein Structure 8.Wheat Proteins - Introduction - Endosperm Proteins - Separation of Proteins - Functional Properties of Proteins and the Wheat-Gluten Complex - Uses of Dry Vital Gluten - Bioactive Components of Wheat - The Maillard Reaction - Microbiological Control of Processing - The Future for Wheat 9.Wheat on the World Wide Web (WWW) - Introduction - The Basic Requirements for the WWW - Searching for Journal and Bibliographic References; Uncover Data Base - The HTTP Protocol and Home Pages - Search Engines on the WWW - The Altavista Search: Results - The Future of Information on the WWW Index69 Figures, 17 Tables ------------------------------------------------------------------------The AuthorsDr. Cornell received his M.Sc. from the University of Melbourne and his Ph.D. from the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. His faculty positions have included those of Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Chemistry at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and Visiting Professor at the University of Zurich, Karolinska Institute (Sweden) and the Technical University, Munich. More than forty of his papers have been published in journals, and he has made more than forty invited conference presentations. Dr. Hoveling received his Ph.D. from Flinders University of South Australia. He has been on the faculty of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, in the Department of Applied Chemistry, for more than twenty-five years, first as a Lecturer and now as Senior Lecturer. Two areas of his specialization are analytical techniques and chemical information systems. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ISBN:1 -56676 -348 -7 Year:1998 Number of pages:426Dimensions: 6 " x9" Cover type:hardcover Price:$104.95 ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very knowledgeble authors
I happen to personally know both of these authors.They are men of the highest integrity and scholarship.I highly recommend this text. ... Read more

Book Description

This standard reference covers the sources, manufacture, specifications, chemistry, physical properties, and current and potential uses of gums. It provides an outline of gums and their uses as well as an understanding of why gums behave in different ways, giving the reader an ability to select the best gum for a particular purpose. Chapters have been constructed to provide balanced information and chapter authors have been selected because of outstanding competence in their specialized areas. Industrial Gums is a useful reference for students and industrial researchers and engineers in chemical, industrial, and applied engineering, biochemistry, food technology, materials chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and biopolymers. ... Read more

Book Description

For centuries the transformation of grapes into wine has been the focus of much scientific research but it was not until the nineteenth century that the role of yeasts in alcoholic fermentation was discovered. Since this discovery the findings of chemists, biochemists and microbiologists have led to controlled conditions in winemaking, producing more varied and higher quality wines.

Handbook of Enology Volume 1: The Microbiology of Wine and Vinifications uniquely combines scientific knowledge with the description of day-to-day work in the first stages of winemaking, from grape-picking to the end of the fermentation processes. It discusses the scientific basics and technological problems of wine-making and the resulting consequences for the practitioner, providing an authoritative and complete reference manual for both the winemaker and the student. This text will be invaluable to winemakers, students of enology or vinification and chemists interested in winemaking. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Secrets of French winemakers
It's very difficult to find good English-language descriptions of French winemaking practices, so this book fills a rare and valuable role. Both volumes in this series are excellent complements to the standard winemaking texts, are well-written and comprehensive.

Better than "wine science".
Pretty comprehensive, and more in depth than most others, this is worth investigating if you're into the topic. Easy to read translation helps.

Very Technical But Worth The Effort
I was given this book by a friend of mine studying enology at UC Davis. I work in the vineyard/winery industry (trellising) and needed a basic understanding of vineyard and winemaking operations. While this book is quite technical at times, and it is long, it is a rewarding read and base of information for the layperson or someone employed in a related industry. The tables and appendix of info is substantial, and while I am no chemist (my degree is in history), the writing was clear enough for me to follow along the majority of the time. If your interest in the field is strong and you can keep reminding yourself that this really is a textbook, the end result is a mini degree in Enology! ... Read more

Book Description

The result of years of experience by experts in extrusion technology, Extruders in Food Applications brings together practical experience and in-depth knowledge of extrusion cooking technology. This concise reference summarizes basic considerations for the application of extrusion technology to food industry processes and focuses on the various types of extruders available for a growing number of food applications.Chapters compare and describe the different types of extruders and their functions, including characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and applications, providing a wealth of information about dry extruders, interrupted flight extruder-expanders, and single screw and twin screw extruders. The effects of preconditioning on the raw material and of extrusion on the nutrients of products are covered as well. This book is a valuable source for the technical and practical application of extrusion and will be useful for the selection of the proper equipment for this technology. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Extrusion made easy
Extrusion of plastics is difficult to explain but foods even harder. The author and group of experts in the field did excellent job to make understanding of the food extrusion process palatable. I think highly about the value of this book and recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

Are soy isoflavones neuroprotective? Just how different is one species of Echinacea from another? Which phytochemicals will be effective as therapeutic agents in vivo? Supported by solid scientific research, Phytochemicals in Nutrition and Health helps provide answers to these and other probing questions concerning the mechanisms of action associated with beneficial phytochemical groups. It examines new areas such as the efficacy and safety of medicinal herbs, the use of biotechnology to manipulate and enhance the phytochemical profiles of various plants, and the pharmacokinetics of phytochemicals in humans.The editors also expand discussion presented in their previous books on phytochemicals. They explore new research on phytochemicals in the Vaccinium family (cranberries, blueberries and bilberries), wine, and oilseeds, and the biological activity of Echinacea in humans. Additional chapters present new information about isothiocyanates, lycopene, carotenoids other than beta-carotene, tocotrienols, and phytoestrogens. Highlighting phytochemicals that have significant potential for promoting health or preventing disease, Phytochemicals in Nutrition and Health expands discussions of appropriate research methodologies and new technologies in this exciting field. ... Read more

Book Description

One unique feature which sets this book apart from every other introduction to the basics of foodservice management its focus on customer orientation. Crucial aspects of food-service management are covered throughout from the customer's point of view - from menus, sanitation and safety, and service and dining room management to cost control and purchasing. ... Read more

Book Description

Comprehensive handbook of seafood information!This definitive reference is the most comprehensive handbook of information ever assembled on foods and other products from fresh and marine waters. Marine and Freshwater Products Handbook covers the acquisition, handling, biology, and the science and technology of the preservation and processing of fishery and marine products. The array of topics covered includes: aquaculture fisheries management, and harvesting o fish meal and fish oil o fish protein concentrates o seaweed products o products from shell o other industrial products o bioactive compounds o cookery o specialty products o surimi and mince o HACCP o modern processing methods o religious and cultural aspects of water products o marine toxins and seafood intolerances o contamination in shellfish growing areas o pathogens in fish and shellfish. Marketing, transportation and distribution, retailing, import and export, and a look to the future of the seafood industry are also addressed. Extensive coverage of speciesAll major marine and freshwater finfish species are covered, as well as processing technologies: fresh fish, preserved fish, finfish processing, and other processed products. Crustaceans and other useful marine and freshwater species and their processing are also covered. These include: mollusk o clams o oysters o scallops o abalone o squid o shrimp o lobster o crawfish o crabs o eels o turtles o sea urchin o octopus o snails o alligator. The definitive seafood industry sourcebookMarine and Freshwater Products Handbook incorporates the advances in biotechnology and molecular biology, including potential drugs and medicinal products; the manufacture of chemicals from the sea; seafood safety, including toxin detection techniques and HACCP, and processing technologies. With contributions from more than 50 experts, helpful, data-filled tables and charts, numerous references and photos, this is the sourcebook for everyone involved in products from our waters. It will serve as the standard reference for the seafood industry for years to come. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Comprehensive Book on Storing and Preserving food
Emphasizing the enhancement of nutrition, this is one of the most comprehensive books available today on the subject of storing and preserving foods. Recipes and processing methods have been collected from indigenous people worldwide. These practical and traditional techniques , many of which were nearly lost forever, have been collated and set out in a well-defined and easy to follow manual which is of value to anyone interested in processing and storing food. Chapters are set out under the following headings:

Storing - Preserving - Cooking Foods

The Fungi - Yeasts - Mushrooms, Lichens

The Grains

The Legumes

Roots - Bulbs - Rhizomes

Fruits - Flowers - Nuts - Oils - Olives

Leaf and Stem - Aguamiels

Marine and Freshwater Products

Fish - Molluscs - Algae Meats - Birds - Insects

Dairy Products

Beers - Wines - Beverages

Condiments - Spices - Sauces

Agricultural Composts - Silages - Liquid Manures

Nutrition and Environmental Health

"A truly fabulous book, a quirky gem, a classic. Mollison has written a comprehensive monograph on the international use of microbial fermentation in food and beverage production, from a cross-cultural, anthropological, and biological perspective." Dr. Marion Nestle, Dept, of Nutrition and Food Studies, New York University

Learn what your ancestors knew all along
This book is a tome. A holy bible.

I ahve made my own Koji, Tempeh, Tofu, Kim Chee, and Saur Kraut with this book. Admitedly the Saur Kraut was wierd but my German relatives confirmed what I had done and were overjoyed that I had done it the old way.

My long experience in microbiology and fermentation (beer, beer, beer, beer) mean

I KNOW THIS IS GOOD BOOK.

But the most ignorant (but literate) mudsquating yokel can pull of alost any ferment cuz the techniques are thousand years old.

Get this book and get on it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

cotrol of listeria monocytogen in enviroment by phages
Dear friend I want to isolate kinds of bacteriophages fromewes fetus.I would like to help me about this project . Are there researcher cooperate about this project,welcome to control Listeria moncytogen in nature by phages. Your Sincerely Ebtehaj

bacteriophage information
I want to know about Liesteria bacteriophage. Can we use Listeria bacteriophage for producing avirulence listeria monocytogen which induce abortionin ewes and cow. ... Read more

Book Description

In her latest book, "the South'sbest known environmentalist" (New Internationalist) and1993 Right Livelihood Award winner, Vandana Shiva,continues her path-breaking work on uncovering thedevastating human and environmental impacts of corporate-engineered international trade agreements. InStolen Harvest, she charts the impacts of industrial agriculture and what theymean for small farmers, the environment, and the quality and healthfulness of thefoods we eat. A short, impassioned, and inspiring book that will shape the debateabout genetic engineering and commercial agriculture for years to come. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Informative and compelling
In this remarkable book, Vandana Shiva effectively contrasts corporate command-and-control methods of food production with the small farmer economy that predominates in the third world (especially in her native India). In contast to what many here in the U.S. might perceive as the conventional wisdom, Shiva makes a strong argument that local, small scale agriculture is superior to the agribusiness model for a number of reasons.

First, Shiva points out that many of the productivity gains attributable to the Green Revolution were achieved by dramatically increased inputs of fertilizer, seed and water. When one compares units of input with units of output, however, native practices produce higher yields -- especially when one takes into account the multiple uses derived from a single product.

For example, mustard oil is a vital product used by many of India's poor for cooking, seasoning, medicine and other uses. But it has been banned by the Indian government (under highly suspicious circumstances) in order to allow imports of soybean oil products. While giant corporations benefit from expanded sales, native industries have been destroyed, contibuting to poverty and malnourishment.

Shiva discusses the commercial fishing and aquaculture (shrimp farming) practices that inevitably result in environmental destruction and reduced catches. She compares this short-sighted approach with traditional Indian fishing techniques that have successfully sustained themselves for generations while protecting important ecosystems such as mangrove forests.

Shiva discusses corporate patenting of seeds, which insidiously transforms the cooperative ethic of seed sharing into a criminal offense. The author supports a non-cooperation movement in India that is resisting corporate attempts to claim ownership of seeds that have been cultivated by countless generations of farmers.

Shiva's sacred cow / mad cow metaphor effectively and appropriately contrasts agribusiness with small farming. India's sacred cows live in harmony with the environment, performing multiple services and producing multiple products for the community; whereas mad cows are a grotesque manifestation of an industrial system obsessed with uniformity, technology and profit.

Shiva also touches on the topic of genetic engineering (GE) and discusses the threat it poses to biodiversity, food safety and human health.

The Afterword to the book alludes to the WTO protests in Seattle. Shiva believes this watershed event proves that people are becoming more aware of the dangers of unaccountable corporate power, yet she believes that positive change is possible. This opening of consciousness to new possibilities may be attributable to the extraordinary work of people like Vandana Shiva, whose intelligence and compassion is abundantly evident in this book. Highly recommended!

great book, scared me to death !
this is a great book, i highly recomend it. i must warn you its not for the weak stomached, this book will CHANGE your view on the food you eat. i didnt eat for a week after reading this.

Critically important for environmentalists & students.
In Stolen Harvest: The Hijacking Of The Global Food Supply, renowned environmental activist Vandana Shiva charts the impacts of globalized, corporate agriculture on small farmers, the environment, and the quality of the food we eat. Shiva writes about genetically engineered seeds, patents on life, mad cows (and sacred cows), shrimp farming, and more. Stolen Harvest is a passionate, articulate, highly recommended "wake up" call to the public regarding the role of genetic engineering in commercial agriculture, the growing domination of agribusiness with respect to world food supplies, and the need for sound environmental thinking with respect to feeding the burgeoning populations of the world.

Brilliance
If you deplore the WTO and MN corporate control over the world's food supply through intellectual property rights and patents on genetically engineered seed - then reading Stolen Harvest is a must. Vandana Shiva brilliantly reveals the current crisis that Indian farmers are facing as Monsanto and other mega corps are jeopardizing the livelihoods of impoverished persons (worldwide) through seed monopoly and a centralized system of agriculture commerce. Shiva discusses the impact of industrial farming and aquaculture on the environment and how it stresses local populations and threatens the diversity of species. A MUST READ!

Enter review title in this space.
Well, it started out a bit dry, but the plot moved along nicely. The characters lack developement, and the denoument could have been better. I'd give it two stars, which I've indicated above by giving it two stars. ... Read more

Book Description

Chocolate is available to today's consumers in a variety of colours, shapes and textures. But how many of us, as we savour our favourite brand, consider the science that has gone into its manufacture? This book describes the complete chocolate making process, from the growing of the beans to the sale in the shops. The Science of Chocolate first describes the history of this intriguing substance. Subsequent chapters cover the ingredients and processing techniques, enabling the reader to discover not only how confectionery is made but also how basic science plays a vital role with coverage of scientific principles such as latent and specific heat, Maillard reactions and enzyme processes. There is also discussion of the monitoring and controlling of the production process, and the importance, and variety, of the packaging used today. A series of experiments, which can be adapted to suit students of almost any age, is included to demonstrate the physical, chemical or mathematical principles involved. Ideal for those studying food science or about to join the confectionery industry, this mouth-watering title will also be of interest to anyone with a desire to know more about the production of the world's favourite confectionery. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An Excellent Primer
If you were ever interested where chocolate came from, this is the book to answer your questions. With a reasonably thorough explanation, Beckett explains the engineering and scale aspects of the industrial production of chocolate. He makes is abundently clear that you do not want to produce chocolate from the raw bean.

He also covers the techniques used to determine the quality and character of the confection.

Good for the scientist or intelligent chocolatier alike. ... Read more

Book Description

Food companies, regardless of their size and scope, understand that it is impossible to establish a single division devoted to "quality", as quality is the responsibility and purpose of every company employee. Applying this theory demands the cooperation of each employee and an understanding of the methodology necessary to establish, implement, and evaluate a Quality Assurance program.Quality Assurance for the Food Industry: A Practical Approach provides in-depth coverage of all aspects of quality assurance. It identifies the basic concepts and principles behind Total Quality Management and presents examples of Quality Assurance programs that can be applied to the food industry using simple, proven formats. The author discusses the role of Quality Assurance in product manufacturing, emphasizing the need for interactions among an organization's Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Product Development, Marketing, Sales, and Consumer Affairs departments. He analyzes the characteristics of a quality audit and the purpose of a proper audit, then focuses on specific examples including product manufacturing audits, food plant sanitation audits, and product quality audits. A comprehensive examination of HAACP and its applications concludes the coverage.This practical, industry-oriented reference explains the fundamental role of Quality Assurance and provides the knowledge required for establishing a Total Quality Management system in your own company. The concepts and procedures discussed are the key components for attaining and maintaining the highest standards of quality in the food industry. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Best
This is the best book on quality for the food industry I have come across. The writing is beautifully clear and easy to understand - so many of these books are mind-numbingly pedantic. As the title suggests, the author gives a "practical approach" to the issue of quality. Not only does he explain the concept of quality, he gives practical examples of how to achieve the best possible product. He emphasises training: from the line worker to upper management. He reminds us that quality requires a short-term economic investment, but in the long-term companies can avoid all-too-costly mistakes. Like all businesses, we have our share of management personnel who think they know everything - this book is a reminder to reconsider that premise. The willingness of upper management to establish basic quality guidelines and training is the most important factor in a company's success: it can engage every employee, promote a more dynamic and rewarding work environment and is simply cost-effective because it helps to avoid errors and costly re-calls.
The author covers all the tools of quality management and their practical applications. He thoroughly covers HACCP - why it is important, how to establish a HACCP program and when to call in a consultant. The section regarding audits is outstanding - the author explains the different types of audits, including the need for outside audits and gives practical examples of different product audits. Now, when it is time for an outside audit of our products, I can judge if the consultant is giving me all the information I need to know, is listing and rating any deviations and is recommending practical solutions. I have also initiated plans for increased training of our plant workers (short on-site HACCP and GMP courses, Better Process Control School, etc.) and am encouraging increased dialogue and training within management. Because my company is smaller, we cannot afford to hire the numbers of highly-trained professionals we really need, but I now know when to look for an expert consultant and how to apply their recommendations. I am already seeing striking improvements in the quality of our products and in the attitudes of our employees.
I recommend this book for all food professionals but especially for those directly involved with any type of processing. ... Read more

Book Description

A harrowing indictment of industrial agriculture's threat to the future of food and the environment.

As mad cow disease hits hard in the United States and bird flu roils the Asian poultry markets, the issue of food safety has never been more stark. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 75 million Americans fell sick last year from the food they ate. Christopher D. Cook's riveting and timely investigation takes us beyond Fast Food Nation to explain why our entire food system is in crisis. Corporate consolidation of farms and supermarkets, high-tech drives to increase productivity, misplaced subsidies for exports, and inadequate regulation have all combined to produce a grim harvest. In these pages we encounter fruit and vegetables laminated by crop spray, slaughterhouses that transport illegal immigrants to the United States to butcher diseased meat for less than the minimum wage, and the near-extinction of American family farms.

Yet, Cook argues, there is another way: Sales of organic food nearly tripled to $13 billion in 2001-2002. Farmers' markets and food cooperatives are burgeoning across the nation, and the slow food and food justice movements have become part of the mainstream. The eloquence and concision of Diet for a Dead Planet will spur the campaign still further.

• Food-borne pathogens cause up to 30 million human illnesses, and as many as 9,000 deaths, in the U.S. each year
• Agriculture dumps nearly 500,000 tons of pesticides —many of them known carcinogens —on our food each year
• American farms produce more than 1.3 billion tons of animal waste annually —5 tons for every U.S. citizen
• For every dollar consumers spend on food, 81 cents goes on marketing with just 19 cents to the farmer
• Farm subsidies in the United States and European Union total nearly half a billion dollars a day
• The average food item in the United States travels 2,000 miles from farm to table

Book Description

After a detailed examination of the ingredients that go into brewing lagers, Noonan covers the essential steps of planning recipes and brewing classic lager styles.Recipes are included.Illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A great reference - but not for beginners!
This classic book has recently emerged from the land of the out-of-print books in a new edition, and I bought one as soon as I found out it was available. As an experienced homebrewer, I found it fascinating and informative. Noonan gets down to the hardcore chemical and technical foundations of brewing. And if you are interested in decoction mashing, Noonan provides what is probably the best description of the process that is available in print. This book is perfect for the professional brewer or advanced all-grain homebrewer.

However, the sheer volume of detail would bore a newcomer to brewing, or worse yet, scare him or her off. The beginner simply doesn't need this much highly-technical information. However, after that beginner gets a few batches under his belt, this book would be a good addition to his or her brewing library.

Absolute must have for homebrewing!
This is without question the best book for homebrewing available. It is the only one that covers decoction mashing in detail. Most German brewers and even Anheuser-Busch use this efficient method to get maximum flavor and yield for your beer. Noonan covers a broad area of topics in great detail. From brewing chemistry to practical procedures outlined for the intermediate to advanced brewer, Noonan hits the bullseye. If you have brewed a little and really want to get into it, get this book!

I can't believe this is unavailable
This is the best brewing book of the dozen or so I own.

Excellent Reference
This book is required reading for any serious brewer. After reading it, you will know how to choose your ingredients, the correct process for your ingredients and the proper equipment to make high quality beers. There is a lot of good advice for setting up your brewery (at home or otherwise) and the general guidelines for getting the most out of your brews. Even though I have been an all-grain brewer for some time, I find that I still go back to Noonan's book for practical information rather frequently. The only downside to this book is that the theoretical sections can be rather confusing. I am an engineer by education and I had a difficult time of understanding the enzyme reactions that occur in a mash or way hop resins combine with ions in the wort. A good deal of this in-depth theory made this book read like a college text, instead of like a book for the hobbyist.

Still, once you can distinguish the practical aspects from the theoretical information, this book is a must-have.

Required reading for all-grain efforts, lager or ale.
Noonan's text is simply superb. It is well organized, extremely detailed, and concise. This is a book about how and why you use each part of the brewing process. Noonan champions and explains the decoction mash, and even explains how to figure out if the malt you're using needs a decoction or an infusion mash. Appendices address both the infusion mash and the step mash, concisely, yet in detail.

The first third of the book, dedicated to ingredients, is alone worth the price. The detail on malt, brewing water, and yeast instantly imparts a greater understanding of and appreciation for the brewing process.

Read this book and begin to make informed decisions about your ingredients and the processes you use to brew beer from them. ... Read more