Hot Potatoes and Cool Bananas by Anne Perera and Devagi Sanmugam

Publication year:  2007

Hot Potatoes and Cool Bananas is a highly recommended cookbook for those looking to maximize their enjoyment of food while reaping its health benefits.

Dr. Anne Perera began this project during her time in Singapore, collaborating with the Singaporean chef Devagi Sanmugam, who contributed the recipes. Upon returning to New Zealand, Anne continued the work with valuable input from her colleagues, Dr. Carolyn Lister and Ms. Lesley Hedges, both of whom have expertise in phytochemicals at Crop and Food Research.

The book emphasizes the vital connection between diet and health, advocating for a daily intake of a “balanced and varied diet rich in phytochemicals.” These beneficial compounds, abundant in fruits and vegetables, are known for their antioxidant and anticancer properties. Hot Potatoes and Cool Bananas features three introductory chapters and four concluding chapters focused on nutrition, along with seventeen chapters dedicated to fruits and vegetables. Additionally, it includes seventy enticing recipes that demonstrate how to create healthy, flavorful meals using these nutritious ingredients.