Born To Explore Season 5 Episode 21 Turkey: Sugar and Spice

Born To Explore is a popular travel series that takes viewers on a journey around the world to explore different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. In season 5 episode 21, titled Turkey: Sugar and Spice, host Richard Wiese heads to Turkey to experience the country's amazing culinary traditions and rich cultural heritage.

The episode begins with Richard arriving in the bustling city of Istanbul, where he is greeted by his local guide, Yusuf. Yusuf takes Richard on a tour of the historic Sultanahmet district, which is home to some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Along the way, Richard learns about the history of the Ottoman Empire and the various influences that have shaped modern-day Turkey.

Next, Richard and Yusuf head to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Here, Richard is dazzled by the array of colors, smells, and sounds of the bazaar, as he explores the various stalls selling spices, teas, sweets, and other goods. Yusuf introduces Richard to some of the local vendors, who share their knowledge about the different spices and herbs used in Turkish cuisine and offer samples of their products.

After the bazaar, Richard and Yusuf head to a local restaurant to sample some of the classic dishes of Turkey. They try meze, a selection of small dishes that often include dips, salads, and stuffed vegetables, as well as kebabs and baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and syrup. Richard is impressed by the richness and depth of flavors in Turkish cuisine, as well as the emphasis on fresh ingredients and bold seasonings.

The next day, Richard and Yusuf head to the countryside to visit a farm where they meet a family of farmers who specialize in growing the spice known as sumac. Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice that is used in many Turkish dishes, and the farmers show Richard how they harvest and dry the spice in the fields. Richard also learns about the importance of sustainable farming practices and the efforts being made to protect the environment in Turkey.

Later, Richard and Yusuf visit the city of Gaziantep, which is known as the culinary capital of Turkey. Here, they meet with a local chef who takes them on a tour of the city's famous spice market. The chef explains how different spices are used in local dishes like kebabs, stews, and desserts, and Richard gets to sample some of the delicious Turkish delights like pistachio baklava and künefe, a baked cheese pastry soaked in syrup.

Finally, Richard and Yusuf head to a village outside of Gaziantep to learn about the art of making Turkish delight, a sweet confection that is popular throughout Turkey. They visit a local factory where they see how Turkish delight is made by hand, using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations. The factory workers show Richard how they mix sugar, cornstarch, and different flavors to create the various types of Turkish delight, and Richard even gets to try making some for himself.

Overall, Turkey: Sugar and Spice is a fascinating episode that provides a unique look at one of the world's most beautiful and culturally rich countries. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the tranquil countryside to the vibrant spice markets of Gaziantep, Richard explores the many different facets of Turkish culture and cuisine, and gains a deeper appreciation for the history and traditions of this amazing country.