Consumer 101 Season 1 Episode 17 Sweet Success

Consumer 101 is a show that strives to help viewers be better consumers, by providing them with valuable information about products they use every day. The show is hosted by Jack Rico who leads a team of experts that explore the products we use, how they are made, and how they can be evaluated for quality and safety.

In Season 1, Episode 17 titled Sweet Success, the show takes a closer look at two main topics: The first being the different varieties of sugar, and the second being how to make the perfect cup of coffee.

The first segment of the show kicks off as Jack Rico dives into the world of sugar, explaining the different types of sugar, including table sugar, brown sugar, honey and high fructose corn syrup. He explains that sugar can be found in almost every processed food we eat, and though it may seem harmless, consuming too much sugar has been linked to many health problems.

The first expert the team brings on is Dr Robert Lustig, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Lustig explains that sugar tricks the brain into wanting more, leading to overconsumption and weight gain. Dr. Lustig takes Jack through the science behind the addictive nature of sugar and why it affects the brain differently than other types of food.

Next, the team puts table sugar and brown sugar to the test to find out which is better for baking and cooking. They bring on food scientist, Dr. Ali Bouzari, to help them understand the differences between the two sugars and conduct a series of tests on which sugar produces better results. They start with a basic sugar cookie recipe, and taste-test feeling the texture, consistency, and flavor provided by each sugar.

The second segment of the episode deals with coffee, as the Consumer 101 team explores how to make the perfect cup of coffee. Jack starts by explaining that the process of making coffee is just as important as the type of coffee you use. They bring together a team of experts to test out four different brewing methods: drip coffee, pour-over, French press, and espresso.

The team starts their coffee testing process by examining the various components of coffee, including roast, blend, and bean selection. They bring on a coffee specialist to give viewers an in-depth understanding of the different types of coffee beans available and how they can affect the flavor of the coffee.

The team moves to the taste testing of the brewing process, starting with the drip coffee maker. The team explains how drip coffee works and its brewing process featuring filter, ground up coffee, and delivering water at the right temperature to extract the coffee flavors. They taste-test the coffee and compare it with the other brewing methods.

The team also tests a Pour-over brew method, which is the preferred brewing style of coffee connoisseurs. They bring on a coffee expert to explain the process of Pour-over brewing, which involves pouring hot water onto coffee grounds in a filter slowly and in a specific pattern. The slow process of Pour-over brewing allows for greater control over the brewing process, resulting in a great-tasting coffee.

French Press coffee brewing method is also tried out by the team. French press method involves combining coffee grounds and water directly in the carafe and allowing it to steep for a few minutes before consuming. Lastly, the team tests a commercial espresso machine, to get a perfect cup of espresso, grind the coffee fine, and add hot water of the right temperature.

The Consumer 101 team explains that the key to a successful cup of coffee is to experiment with different brewing methods and find the one that works best for you, as personal preferences play a major role in how people like to drink their coffee. They end the episode by speaking to a coffee aficionado, who shares his method for making the perfect cup of coffee at home.

Overall, Consumer 101 Season 1 Episode 17 is an informative and educational episode, providing viewers with valuable information about sugar and how to make the perfect cup of coffee. With expert insights and practical tips, the show helps viewers become more informed consumers.