Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 18 Episode 3 Magnificent Mississippi River

In season 18 episode 3 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, titled Magnificent Mississippi River, host Andrew Zimmern explores the culinary offerings of the Mississippi River. The episode takes viewers on a gastronomic journey through the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee as Andrew discovers the unique and delicious foods that are connected to the river.

The episode begins in New Orleans where Andrew samples a variety of seafood delicacies like grilled oysters, raw oysters, and crawfish. He also tries a traditional New Orleans dish called barbecue shrimp, which is a spicy shrimp dish made with butter and garlic. Next, Andrew visits a Cajun restaurant located on the bayou where he tastes alligator sausage and boudin, a type of sausage made with rice, pork, and liver.

Moving up the Mississippi River, Andrew arrives in Jackson, Mississippi, where he tries a local delicacy called hot tamales. These tamales are made with a spiced meat filling and are steamed in corn husks. Andrew also visits a farm where he learns about and samples products made from naturally-raised, heritage breed pigs.

Further along the Mississippi River, Andrew arrives in Memphis, Tennessee, and heads straight for the barbecue. He visits a renowned Memphis barbecue joint and samples an array of smoked meats, including ribs, pulled pork, and beef brisket. Andrew also tries a local specialty called barbecue spaghetti, which is spaghetti topped with smoked meat and barbecue sauce.

Continuing on his journey, Andrew travels to the Mississippi Delta region where he samples a variety of soul food dishes like black-eyed peas, fried chicken, and collard greens. He also visits a catfish farm where he learns about and samples different types of catfish, including some that are grown in ponds connected to the Mississippi River.

The episode ends with Andrew attending a crawfish boil, a traditional Louisiana event where friends and family come together to eat crawfish boiled in a large pot with spices and vegetables. Andrew joins in on the celebration and samples the delicious crawfish, as well as other Louisiana specialties like gumbo and jambalaya.

Throughout the episode, Andrew highlights the importance of the Mississippi River in the development of southern cuisine. He explains how the river provided a means of transportation for ingredients and goods, as well as an abundant source of seafood and other aquatic life. Andrew also emphasizes the role that different cultures, like Cajun and Creole, played in shaping the culinary identity of the Mississippi River region.

With its diverse range of foods and cultural influences, Magnificent Mississippi River provides viewers with a delicious introduction to the culinary heritage of the South. Andrew's passion for food and his enthusiasm for exploring new and unique flavors make for an entertaining and informative episode of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern.