Ep 6. Tamarind

Food Lore is a documentary series that explores the relationship between food and culture. Each episode focuses on a different dish or ingredient and delves into the history, traditions, and emotions that surround it. In season 1 episode 6, titled Tamarind, the viewers are taken on a journey through the Philippines to learn about the country's unique culinary heritage.

The episode begins in the bustling city of Manila, where the host meets up with local food blogger, Ynna Asistio. As they walk through the colorful streets, Ynna explains that tamarind is a staple ingredient in Filipino cuisine. She tells the viewers that the fruit, which has a tart and sour taste, is used to add flavor to many dishes, including sinigang, a popular sour soup.

The next stop is a local market where the host and Ynna browse through a colorful array of fruits and vegetables. They come across a pile of tamarinds and Ynna selects a few to take back to her kitchen. She shows the host how to prepare the fruit by peeling off the shell and removing the pulp. The pulp is then simmered in water to make a tamarind paste, which can be used in a variety of dishes.

The host and Ynna then travel to the province of Pampanga, which is known as the culinary capital of the Philippines. Here, they visit the home of Ocampo Lansang Dela Cruz, a tamarind farmer. Ocampo explains that tamarind trees grow well in the region's sandy soil and tropical climate. He takes the host on a tour of his orchard and shows him how to harvest the ripe tamarinds. The host helps Ocampo pick some tamarinds and expresses his awe at the naturally grown fruit.

Later, the host and Ynna stop by the home of Chef Luis Chikiamco, who is known for his innovative take on traditional Filipino cuisine. Chef Luis shows the viewers how to make a delicious tamarind-based dish called tamarind glazed pork belly. He combines the tamarind paste with soy sauce, sugar, and garlic to create a sweet and sour glaze that is used to marinate the pork belly. The pork belly is then slow-roasted until it is tender and juicy. Chef Luis serves the dish with a side of tamarind-infused rice and a simple salad.

The episode concludes with Ynna and the host preparing a traditional Filipino dessert called tamarind sorbet. They combine tamarind paste with sugar, water, and a touch of salt and freeze it in a sorbet maker. The result is a refreshing and tangy dessert that perfectly captures the flavor of tamarind.

Overall, the Tamarind episode of Food Lore offers viewers a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse cuisine of the Philippines. From bustling city markets to rural orchards, from traditional dishes to innovative creations, this episode showcases the many ways in which tamarind is used in Filipino cooking. The episode educates the viewer about the history of tamarind and its multiple uses. The show leaves you with a drooling desire to taste the wondrous local tamarind dishes.