Ep 10. Flavor Explosion

Eating History is a reality television show that takes a deep dive into the history of food. Each episode of the show explores a unique aspect of food culture from the past. In season one episode ten, Flavor Explosion, the hosts Josh and Old Smokey take their audience on a ride with an exploration of the history and flavors of hot sauce.

The episode begins with the hosts showing off their extensive collection of hot sauces, which stems from over a century ago, when the company they inherited from their families was selling condiments. Throughout the episode, the duo dives deep into the history of hot sauce in America, showcasing how it slowly emerged as a popular condiment over the years.

They start with the earliest known form of hot sauce, which dates back to the ancient Mayan civilization. The duo talks about how the Mayans would create sauces using peppers and other ingredients. They also talk about how hot sauce eventually gained popularity in different parts of the world like Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Josh and Old Smokey then take the viewers on a journey through history, highlighting pivotal moments in the development of hot sauce in America over the years. They visit different locations and interview food historians, chefs, and hot sauce enthusiasts along the way to bring the story of hot sauce to life.

One of the highlights of the episode is when Josh and Old Smokey visit a hot sauce museum in Louisiana. The museum showcases a vast range of hot sauces, some dating back over a century ago. The duo tries out some of the vintage hot sauces, some of which are quite hot and spicy.

Another intriguing part of the episode is when the hosts delve into the science behind hot sauce and how it affects the human body. They talk about how capsaicin, the active compound in peppers that makes them hot, triggers an endorphin release in the brain that makes people feel happier. They also explore the psychology behind spicy foods and how it has become synonymous with masculinity and toughness.

Toward the end of the episode, Josh and Old Smokey visit a hot sauce factory to see how it is made. They get to see the process of bottling and packaging hot sauce, and they take the opportunity to try out some of the freshly made sauces. They also experiment with making their hot sauce using peppers, bourbon, and other ingredients.

Overall, Flavor Explosion is an entertaining and informative episode of Eating History, highlighting the fascinating history and culture surrounding hot sauce. Josh and Old Smokey's passion for food is infectious, and they do an excellent job of presenting the information in an engaging and accessible way. Fans of spicy food and culinary history would undoubtedly enjoy this episode.