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Emma Cooper Interview: Jade Pearls and Alien Eyeballs

I enjoyed interviewing Emma Cooper about her e-book Jade Pearls and Alien Eyeballs as part of her virtual book tour. The conversation explored the book’s focus on unusual edible plants, their histories, the people who grow and rediscover them, and practical tips for cultivating and using them at home.

Update 21st April 2015: A print edition of Jade Pearls and Alien Eyeballs is now available for purchase on Amazon.

Emma’s book celebrates uncommon edibles—plants and fruits that rarely appear in mainstream cookbooks or garden centers. It combines historical background, personal anecdotes and hands-on guidance so readers can try growing and cooking with these unusual ingredients themselves.

During the interview we discussed a variety of fascinating subjects, including oca, chayote and salep. Emma shared both the joys and the challenges of cultivating unfamiliar crops, along with memorable stories: chewing gravel, eccentric common names like “dog’s balls,” foods that fizz on the tongue, and even whimsical references such as “coconut clothing.” The dialogue mixes practical advice with lively anecdote and a warm, conversational tone.

Jade Pearls and Alien Eyeballs Interview

Listen to the interview by downloading or playing the audio file: Emma Jade Pearls and Alien Eyeballs Interview mp3. The recording runs a little over 30 minutes and includes many useful tips and entertaining stories from Emma.

The music used in the interview is by Nobara Hayakawa and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Where to buy Jade Pearls and Alien Eyeballs

The e-book Jade Pearls and Alien Eyeballs is available on Smashwords, where you can preview the book and download it in several formats, including PDF if you do not use an e-reader. The introductory price is $2.99 USD, rising to $3.99 after publication on May 1st.

It is also offered through major retailers and platforms, in addition to Smashwords:

  • Barnes & Noble NOOK Store
  • iTunes UK
  • iTunes US

Reviews, readings and interviews

Emma’s book tour includes readings, interviews and reviews across a number of blogs and podcasts. Highlights from the tour and commentary about the book are available at several gardening and food-focused sites, where Emma expands on plant selection, seed sourcing and growing techniques that work well for gardeners experimenting with less-common species.

  • All Things Bright & Beautiful
  • Japan Farmers Markets interview part 1
  • Japan Farmers Markets interview part 2
  • Japan Farmers Markets review
  • The Alternative Kitchen Garden Show
  • The Backyard Larder
  • The Cats Tripe
  • The City Planter
  • The Garden Deli
  • The road to serendipity
  • Veg Plotting
  • Weeding the Web

For more information about Jade Pearls and Alien Eyeballs, including updates and links to Emma’s other writings, see Emma’s blog.