Vegetables are more than just food for humans: they'¬"ve been characters, companions, and even protagonists throughout history. How Carrots Won the Trojan War is a delightful collection of little-known stories about the origins, legends, and historical signifi cance of 23 of the world'¬"s most popular vegetables. Curious cooks, devoted gardeners, and casual readers alike will be fascinated by the far-fetched tales of their favorite foods'¬" pasts. Readers will discover why Roman gladiators were massaged with onion juice before battle, how celery contributed to Casanova'¬"s conquests, how peas almost poisoned General Washington, why some seventeenth-century turnips were considered degenerate, and, of course, how carrots helped the Greeks win the Trojan War (hint: carrots enabled the soldiers to stay inside the Trojan horse without a break). In addition, Rupp offers gardening tips and sheds light on (and shreds myths about) vegetable nutrition. For example, carrots are healthier cooked than raw, and the most nutritious part of a tomato is the jelly around the seeds. The author of numerous books spanning the topics of science, nature, fantasy, and home schooling, Rupp brings her well-crafted, witty storytelling to the world of vegetables. How Carrots Won the Trojan War is the perfect book for vegetable gardeners, foodies, and anyone else interested in the secret stories behind a salad.