Ep 6. West Virginia

Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern is a travel and food show that features host Andrew Zimmern as he travels around the world in search of unusual and exotic foods, exploring the cultures and traditions that surround them. In season 8, episode 6, Andrew heads to the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, where he samples some of the region's unique foods and meets the people who make them.

The episode begins with Andrew exploring the rugged and beautiful mountains of West Virginia, where he encounters a variety of wild game and fish, including trout and venison. He also visits a local farmer who raises heritage breed pigs and learns about the importance of preserving traditional farming methods.

From there, Andrew heads to a local restaurant that specializes in Appalachian cuisine, where he tries traditional dishes like ramp soup, which is made with wild onions that grow in the region, and pepperoni rolls, a popular snack that was first created by Italian immigrants who came to the area to work in the coal mines.

Next, Andrew meets up with a group of foragers who are searching for morels, a type of wild mushroom that grows in abundance in the Appalachian Mountains. He learns about the different types of morels, as well as the best techniques for finding and harvesting them.

As he continues his journey, Andrew visits a local distillery that produces moonshine, a traditional Appalachian alcohol that is made from corn mash and distilled in homemade stills. He samples several varieties of moonshine, including some that are flavored with fruits and spices, and learns about the rich history and culture of moonshining in the region.

Finally, Andrew attends a traditional Appalachian hog roast, where he observes the entire process of roasting a whole pig over an open fire for several hours. He learns about the various techniques and seasonings used to prepare the pig, as well as the social and cultural significance of the hog roast in the Appalachian community.

Throughout the episode, Andrew showcases the unique and diverse cuisine of West Virginia, as well as the rich cultural heritage of the Appalachian Mountains. He highlights the importance of preserving traditional farming and foraging practices, as well as the cultural significance of regional foods and traditions. Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern season 8, episode 6 is a fascinating and informative exploration of the culinary and cultural delights of West Virginia.