Ep 3. Iowa

In Bizarre Foods season 9 episode 3, host Andrew Zimmern traveled to the heartland of America to explore the unusual and unique cuisine of Iowa. From the farm to the table, Zimmern experienced the diverse flavors and traditions that make up Iowa's food scene.

The episode began with a visit to a local farm where Zimmern learned about the state's famous corn and soybean crops. He then met with a group of young farmers who are working to revitalize Iowa's farming industry by implementing sustainable and innovative practices.

Next, Zimmern headed to the Iowa State Fair, one of the largest and most famous state fairs in the country. There, he sampled a variety of classic fair foods, including corn dogs, funnel cakes, and even chocolate-covered bacon. He also tried a few more unusual dishes, such as a fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a deep-fried Twinkie.

Zimmern then visited a small town diner that serves up a unique dish known as the "loose meat sandwich." Unlike a typical hamburger, the loose meat sandwich is made with ground beef that's been cooked in a seasoned broth until it's crumbly and tender. Zimmern also tried a few other local favorites, including a pork tenderloin sandwich and a meatball sub made with homemade marinara sauce.

The next stop on Zimmern's culinary journey was the Amana Colonies, a group of historic German colonies that have preserved their heritage and traditions for over 150 years. Zimmern sampled traditional dishes such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, and schnitzel, all made according to old-world recipes.

Zimmern also visited a family-owned bakery that's been making bread and pastries using traditional methods for over a century. He tried several of their specialties, including challah bread, cinnamon rolls, and a type of German pastry called the streusel.

The final segment of the episode took Zimmern to a rural hog farm, where he learned about Iowa's pork industry and the importance of responsible animal care. He then helped prepare a traditional Iowa-style pig roast, which involves slow-cooking a whole pig over an open flame until it's tender and juicy.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern highlighted the importance of supporting local food systems and preserving traditional culinary practices. He also showcased the diverse and unique flavors of Iowa's cuisine, from classic fair foods to hearty German dishes to farm-to-table specialties.

Overall, Bizarre Foods season 9 episode 3 was an entertaining and informative exploration of the culinary traditions and innovations that make Iowa a truly unique food destination.