Ep 1. Food Machine

America Revealed season 1 episode 1, titled "Food Machine," is an eye-opening journey that takes viewers through the industrial food production process in America. In this episode, host Yul Kwon takes us on a fascinating and informative journey across the United States, exploring the massive system that produces the food we eat every day.

The episode begins with a look at the staggering amount of food America produces annually, with Kwon revealing that the country produces enough food to feed over 300 million people. However, he points out that our food system is complex and rooted in industrialization, with multiple steps and players involved in getting food from the farm to our plates. Kwon sets out to demystify the process by offering insight into how our food is grown, shipped, and processed.

To truly understand the scale of industrial food production, Kwon takes us to the heartland of America and visits one of the largest farms in the country. Here, we see how vast areas of land are dedicated solely to growing crops, with towering machines doing much of the hard work. Kwon explains how this kind of farming is only possible through technological advancements, with the use of GPS, heavy equipment, and data analysis to maximize the productivity of the land.

Another major component of food production is transportation, and Kwon takes us on a journey along the nation's highways, showcasing the extraordinary logistical operation required to move the food from farms to processing plants and onto stores. We see how essential specialized trucks are to this process, with certain vehicles designed to transport live animals humanely and others to transport perishable goods at the optimal temperature.

The episode also highlights the development of new technologies that are revolutionizing the food industry. Kwon visits a company in California that has developed an innovative growing method known as vertical farming. With land becoming more scarce and expensive, vertical farming allows crops to be grown in stacked layers in large multi-story warehouses. The use of LED lights, controlled atmosphere, and hydroponics makes it possible to grow fresh produce year-round in a tightly controlled environment.

One major concern with industrialized food production is its impact on the environment, and Kwon is careful to note the importance of sustainability. We see how some farmers are using innovative methods such as cover cropping and no-till farming to reduce soil erosion and conserve resources. We also visit a processing plant that is using every part of the animal it processes to reduce waste, turning fat and bones into fuel and using technologies such as anaerobic digestion to generate energy.

Kwon also speaks with experts on the nutritional value of the food we eat and how it is affected by industrialization. We discover how maize and soy, two crops essential to the industrial food system, have infiltrated the American diet, finding their way into almost every processed food we consume. We also learn about the changes to food allergens and how scientists and manufacturers are developing new proteins to replace commonly allergenic ingredients.

Throughout the episode, Kwon emphasizes the importance of understanding the origins of our food and appreciating the hard work that goes into producing it. He connects with farmers, food processors, truck drivers, and others who play essential roles in the food chain, giving us a glimpse into a world we often take for granted.

In conclusion, America Revealed season 1 episode 1, "Food Machine," is a highly educational and informative episode that takes viewers on a journey through the industrial food production system in America. From farms to processing plants, from highways to supermarkets, we see the vast web of people, industries, and technologies that work together to feed America. Kwon's engaging storytelling and on-location visits make for a captivating viewing experience that will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the complexity of our food system.