Taste, Memory: Forgotten Foods, Lost Flavors, and Why They Matter

Keep giving them away I love this book so much such a great writer !

This is an interesting take of one man's experience trying to find the path that feels right in the wilds of heritage food preservation. It has a very (perhaps unconscious) left-ward bent, and is limited in it's view to coastal communities. But no one can be everywhere. Even if those of us who live in more rural areas in the middle part of the country roll our eyes a bit at the author's rediscovery of things not forgotten here. Still, worth your time if you have an interest in preservation of genetic diversity of food.

I would never have read this had it not been the selection of my book group this month. But I’m so glad I did. I learned a lot about rare food and gardening, things I knew little about. And I was surprised at the number of times my largely uneducated palate—at least with respect to organic fruits and vegetables—was made to water by Buchanan’s rich descriptions. The book is far more of an adventure than I expected, and while I’m no more likely to become an organic gardener now than when I started the book, I will become a far more interested shopper at farmer’s markets. (And tonight, I get to taste David’s apparently incomparable cider!)

David Buchanan is living the way I can only envy from afar. He clearly works very hard and never tires while pursuing his passions. His is a life with clear purpose and direction, but he doesn't shy away from exploring all the by ways that fate offers him. His commitment to making a difference in the world of food has taken him around the world, including all around the US. He has already made a significant impact on the food and agricultural scene in Maine, as well as touched the lives of many far less fortunate. He is clearly an old soul, who appreciates the wonder around him. The earth and our food system are going to be healthier, more diverse and just happier as a result of his work. I hope Mr. Buchanan keeps on writing and tells us about all of his next adventures!

David Buchanan is an authentic voice. He offers grounded observations. Astute implementation of old into new. I bought the book based on comments from the internet. This is the first time I've taken the time to write a review. Obviously, I really enjoyed the book. David Buchanan entertains as he pulls you into a journey through forgotten orchards and lost varieties and offers valuable contribution to reviving and implementing old into new. I really want to acquire some of his mentioned varieties. Sleuthing seed and fruit catalogs is the stuff of winter life, and anticipating is almost as good as the tasting of the fruits of our labors.Green and growing!

This was a thoughtful, lyrically written celebration of life and food and family and history. I have sent this book to several friends so that they could also enjoy the feeling of serenity and happiness that comes from reading this book.

I was researching artist Jessica Rath and discovered a passage about her in David Buchanan's book, when he ran into her at the USDA Preservation Orchard. I enjoy how Buchanan humanizes his research by including passages with the people and places he encountered. His subject is important, but his touch is light and his prose very compelling. A satisfying read (that will make you yearn to try some of the foods he found along the way).

I found this book to be surprisingly insightful and a real joy to read. Very happy that I decided to buy a used copy of it!