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Travel through time on a culinary adventure that reveals the humble beginnings and climactic interludes of cuisine throughout the ages to reveal how food has made us who we are today and how it shapes our future. In these episodes, National Geographic explores the history, culture, and science behind food and explores our complex relationship with the thing that connects us, nourishes us, and defines us.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I sat down to review this offering from National Geographic. However, given the quality of their many other programs, I sat down to take a look, hoping it would be worth my time. It was. I was absolutely delighted with the flawless presentation and all of the presenters spoke my language – in fact, I swaggered a bit going down the supermarket aisles, reminding myself that I was once a hunter, a gatherer, a purveyor of spices, a finder of white gold in sugar and I reminded myself that I fished the great oceans of the planet. That is what your gift is with this offering.
We start with ‘Spices,’ a history that left me shaking my head – my cupboard full of spices hold stories that will take your breath away, literally. Who would have thought that Black Pepper was a currency in medieval times and that the Dutch went to war over Nutmeg and other spices and that England was quite happy to engage them because spices meant wealth. The information is amazing and there are great history lessons here.
The next segment was ‘Carnivores’ and it was an in-depth study of meat. Its production and processing is harrowing and the pig and chicken industry will leave you shaking your head in disbelief. We are also shown different ways of preparing meat and the different tastes worldwide.
Then we have ‘Sugar.’ Oh Lord, for any mother or father that has handled a child who has had too much sugar, hello! This section explains why and it goes into the history of all things sugar and all the major companies and corporations who manufacture chocolate, candies, cookies and their quest for the taste that will keep everyone going back for more…including ice cream. Do not watch this segment hungry!
Finally, we have the ocean and ‘Seafood.’ Man has had a love affair with the sea for centuries and this segment deals with fish, kelp, seaweed, lobster, oysters and the mismanagement of the ocean’s bounty that almost led to the extinction of certain species and no doubt was responsible for the demise of others. This is fascinating stuff. The programs touch on every aspect of food and you will be amazed at the history that is revealed here. It should be compulsive viewing for everyone.
This will make a great gift for anyone who loves food. There are many presenters throughout, Chef Eric Greenspan is only one of many in this series. You will enjoy them all and Chef Greenspan knits all the programs together nicely and all the chefs are smiling. I wonder why?
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