Transform Your Summer with 20 Essential Reads on Food, Culture, and Climate
As the summer sun beams down, immerse yourself in literature that transforms not just your palate but also your perspective on the world. Food Tank has curated a compelling reading list—20 must-read books that explore the intricate relationships between food, culture, and our climate. From the histories of our favorite ingredients to innovative gardening guides, each title invites you on a flavorful journey this summer.
Dive into Culinary History
1. Braided Heritage: Recipes and Stories on the Origin of American Cuisine by Jessica B. Harris
In Braided Heritage, Dr. Jessica B. Harris unveils the rich tapestry of American food culture. By weaving traditional and contemporary recipes with historical narratives, she champions the contributions of Indigenous, European, and African influences. Expect to be entranced by stories that are as delightful as the dishes themselves.
2. Change the Recipe: Because You Can’t Build a Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs by José Andrés with Richard Wolffe
Change the Recipe is not just a cookbook; it’s a manifesto for humanity. Master chef José Andrés reflects on his global culinary experiences, imparting vital lessons about community building and the transformative power of food.
Delve into Global Food Narratives
3. Every Purchase Matters: How Fair Trade Farmers, Companies, and Consumers Are Changing the World by Paul Rice
Paul Rice’s Every Purchase Matters proves that every consumer can make a difference. This empowering read sheds light on grassroots movements and visionary businesses prioritizing sustainability and ethical trade.
4. Gleanings from the Field by Dan Trudeau, William Moseley, and Paul Schadewald
A collection of thoughtful essays, Gleanings from the Field contextualizes food security within modern crises. It reveals the multilayered challenges faced globally and calls for collaborative solutions.
Understanding Our Food Systems
5. Green Gold: The Avocado’s Remarkable Journey from Humble Superfood to Toast of a Nation by Sarah Allaback and Monique F. Parsons
Explore the avocado’s fascinating journey in Green Gold. The authors meticulously document its evolution into one of our generation’s most beloved foods, intertwining history with a touch of botanical science.
6. Green with Milk and Sugar: When Japan Filled America’s Tea Cups by Robert Hellyer
Professor Robert Hellyer’s informative narrative delves deep into how Japanese-American relations influenced tea traditions, shedding light on the cultural nuances that shaped our tea consumption today.
Gardening for the Future
7. Little Red Barns: Hiding the Truth from Farm to Fable by Will Potter (Forthcoming July 2025)
Will Potter bravely reveals the unsettling connections between animal agriculture and socio-political movements in Little Red Barns. This provocative examination will make you rethink your next meal.
8. Nettles and Petals: Grow Food, Eat Weeds, Save Seeds by Jamie Walton
For budding and seasoned gardeners alike, Nettles and Petals offers practical wisdom on sustainable gardening. Jamie Walton champions biodiversity with recipes and strategies that will enrich your green thumb.
A New Look at Agriculture
9. Regenerating Earth: Farmers Working with Nature to Feed Our Future by Kelsey Timmerman
Kelsey Timmerman’s chronological exploration of regenerative agriculture serves as a hopeful counter-narrative to industrial farming. This eye-opening read reveals how farmers worldwide are combatting climate change through ancient practices.
10. Serving the Public: The Good Food Revolution in Schools, Hospitals, and Prisons by Kevin Morgan
Through Serving the Public, Kevin Morgan argues that the food served in public institutions reflects a society’s commitment to equity and health. This essential read calls for a radical overhaul in how we think about food service.
Discover Culinary Cultures
11. Tanoreen: Palestinian Home Cooking in Diaspora by Rawia Bishara
Chef Rawia Bishara’s Tanoreen is a fragrant love letter to her heritage. This culinary journey embraces multicultural influences, showcasing delightful recipes inspired by her life experiences.
12. The Editor: How Publishing Legend Judith Jones Shaped Culture in America by Sara B. Franklin
Discover how Judith Jones’ keen eye shaped the culinary landscape in The Editor. This biography chronicles her legacy while honoring the luminaries she championed.
Examining Our Seafood Choices
13. The Fish Counter by Marion Nestle
In The Fish Counter, Marion Nestle pulls back the curtain on the seafood industry. Her discerning analysis on sustainability and health will guide you in making informed seafood choices.
14. The Food Forward Garden: A Complete Guide to Designing and Growing Edible Landscapes by Christian Douglas
Landscape designer Christian Douglas merges beauty with functionality in The Food Forward Garden. Discover ways to cultivate gorgeous edible gardens that elevate your outdoor spaces.
Cultural Reflections
15. The Last Sweet Bite: Stories and Recipes of Culinary Heritage Lost and Found by Michael Shaikh
The Last Sweet Bite is a poignant investigation into how war impacts food cultures. Michael Shaikh celebrates resilience through recipes that stem from trauma yet highlight communal heritage.
16. The Nightcrawlers: A Story of Worms, Cows, and Cash in the Underground Bait Industry by Joshua Steckley
The Nightcrawlers dives into the hidden underbelly of the fishing bait industry, unveiling surprising socioeconomic dynamics that impact both laborers and consumers.
Reevaluating Food Ethics
17. The Omnivore’s Deception: What We Get Wrong about Meat, Animals, and Ourselves by John Sanbonmatsu
John Sanbonmatsu challenges mainstream beliefs about animal agriculture in The Omnivore’s Deception. This thought-provoking read compels readers to reconsider their dietary choices through an ethical lens.
18. We Are Eating the Earth: The Race to Fix Our Food System and Save Our Climate by Michael Grunwald (Forthcoming July 2025)
In We Are Eating the Earth, Grunwald connects our food systems to climate change, scrutinizing how we can nourish billions without destroying our planet’s potential.
The Intersection of Identity and Cuisine
19. What Is Queer Food? How We Served a Revolution by John Birdsall
Explore the rich tapestry of queer culinary history in What Is Queer Food? John Birdsall eloquently narrates how queer identity has shaped food culture, celebrating joy, diversity, and innovation.
20. What We Eat: A Global History of Food edited by Pierre Singaravélou and Sylvain Venayre
Embark on a global culinary journey with What We Eat, a collection of essays that reveal the cultural significance of various foods. This enlightening read underscores their impact on identity and globalization.
Join the Food Movement
These enlightening titles not only enrich your summer reading but also stimulate thought-provoking conversations about the interplay of food, culture, and sustainability. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or just looking to deepen your understanding, these books are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Don’t just read—transform your perspective, engage with your community, and be part of the movement toward a more sustainable world. Ready to start your reading journey? Pick your favorites and enjoy a summer filled with flavor!
