Drawing on customs that extend back to ancient times, Aglaia Kremezi explores traditional seasonings and preserved foods from around the Mediterranean, weaving together historical, mythological, and botanical information. She presents seventy recipes from Italy, Spain, Greece, the Eastern Mediterranean, and North Africa that incorporate distinctive herbs, spices, and flavorings. Included are recipes for Preserved Lemons, Harissa, Green Olives with Harissa and Orange, Green Fig Preserves, Fried Artichokes with Garlic in Olive Oil, Thyme Liqueur, Olive Oil with Truffles, and many other items with which to stock your pantry shelves and which also make out-of-the-ordinary gifts. Many recipes are as simple as mixing several ingredients, with little or no cooking.

The book includes a details list of mail-order sources so that even the most exotic ingredients are available to all. It is an indispensable volume for all who like to preserve their summer produce, prepare delicious, robust dishes quickly, and share the bounty of their larders by giving homemade prepared foods.