Watch Ancient Grains
- 2015
- 1 Season
Ancient Grains is a captivating documentary series that explores the world of forgotten grains and their cultural significance. This series is produced by Film Ideas, Inc, a production company that is well-known for creating insightful and thought-provoking documentaries.
Throughout the series, the audience is taken on a journey through different parts of the world, where ancient grains are still cultivated and used. The show starts by delving into the history of grain cultivation, and how humans have relied on these crops for survival for thousands of years. The show also highlights how many of these grains were forgotten when more modern and mass-produced grains like wheat and rice took prominence. Despite this, some communities around the world still farm and use these ancient crops for their unique qualities and rich cultural significance.
The host of the show, a knowledgeable and passionate expert in grain cultivation, takes the viewers through the various ancient grain types, such as amaranth, millet, farro, and teff. He explains the unique properties and characteristics of each type of grain, how they can be grown, and how they are used in different cultures around the world. Additionally, through interviews with farmers, chefs, and food experts, the show uncovers how these ancient grains are still being utilized today in various culinary dishes.
One of the most compelling aspects of Ancient Grains is the program's focus on culture and tradition. The show covers the cultural significance that these grains hold for different communities and how they are a vital part of their traditions. For example, the show visits the highlands of Peru, where farmers still grow and use the Inca grain amaranth, which for thousands of years was a staple food for the Inca Empire. The host shows how amaranth is used today in traditional Peruvian cooking and the important role it plays in the local culture.
Another excellent example is the segment on teff, an ancient grain native to Ethiopia. The host visits a traditional Ethiopian injera house, where the chefs demonstrate how to make injera, the popular sourdough flatbread made from teff. The show highlights the important cultural role that injera plays in Ethiopian cuisine and the country's food culture.
Ancient Grains is not just a show about ancient grains; it is also a show about sustainability and the importance of preserving crops that are well-suited to their environment. The show examines how ancient grains are often well-adapted to the local environment and require less water and fewer resources to grow than modern grains like wheat and rice. The host of the show emphasizes the importance of preserving these ancient crops for their ability to support sustainable farming practices.
Additionally, the program provides insights into how the cultivation of ancient grains can help fight against climate change. By cultivating diverse and resilient crops, instead of mass-producing a small range of grains, farmers can promote healthier ecosystems that can better withstand the effects of climate change.
Overall, Ancient Grains is a fascinating program that provides an excellent overview of the world's ancient grains and their cultural significance. The show combines stunning visuals with a knowledgeable and passionate host to provide an immersive and educational viewing experience. The well-researched and informative content on the cultural significance, ecological benefits, and unique nutritional properties of these ancient crops make it an excellent show for anyone interested in food, culture, and sustainability.
Ancient Grains is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (13 episodes). The series first aired on January 1, 2015.