The New Bread Basket by Amy Halloran

The New Bread Basket – How the New Crop of Grain Growers, Plant Breeders, Millers, Maltsters, Bakers, Brewers, and Local Food Activists Are Redefining Our Daily Loaf, Amy Halloran (Chelsea Green Publishing Company, 2015)

New grains and the value chain that brings them to consumers – farmers, millers, bakers, brewers, and maltsters – are being reinvented (or reinvigorated) on each side of the continent, reflecting the original spread of grain farms before industrial production moved to the central Great Plains.

The New Bread Basket looks at all the players in the system that is redefining grain, flour, bread, beer, and spirits and giving all of these a local flavor.

From New England to the Pacific Northwest, Halloran introduces her readers to the people who are making these crops part of the ever-strengthening alternative food system competing with Big Ag and Big Food.

Halloran’s style is light and conversational, if a bit jarring as she bounces from the East Coast to the West and back again.

Add this one to your bookshelf. Then pop a piece of whole grain sourdough bread made with local flour into the toaster, spread it with homemade jam, and enjoy a yummy snack while you’re reading. Try not to get jam on the pages…

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