La Frontera With Pati Jinich Season 2 Episode 2 Ancient Seeds & Desert Ghosts
- April 10, 2023
- 54 min
In this episode of La Frontera With Pati Jinich, titled "Ancient Seeds & Desert Ghosts," viewers are taken on a journey through the Sonoran Desert, where Pati explores the rich history and unique flavors of the region.
The episode begins with Pati meeting with local farmer Gary Paul Nabhan, who introduces her to the ancient tradition of seed saving. He shares with her the story of how indigenous communities in the area have preserved seeds for centuries, and how he continues to carry on that tradition today. Pati is fascinated by the intricate process of seed saving, and she heads out into the desert to collect seeds from the native plants that grow there.
Next, Pati pays a visit to a local restaurant, where the chef is known for his innovative approach to Mexican cuisine. She watches as he prepares a dish featuring one of the seeds she collected earlier in the day, a rare and hard-to-find variety called the tepary bean. The chef explains how he incorporates the ancient ingredient into his modern recipes, creating dishes that are both delicious and sustainable.
Pati then heads out into the desert once again, this time to explore the ghost towns that dot the landscape. She meets with experts who explain how these towns were once thriving communities, but were abandoned when the resources in the area became scarce. Pati learns about the history of these towns and the people who once lived there, and she marvels at the way nature has taken over, reclaiming the land and turning the once-thriving towns into eerie, ghostly relics.
The episode concludes with Pati returning to the restaurant, where she meets with the chef once again to taste the dishes he has prepared using the seeds she collected earlier. She is amazed at the complex flavors and unique textures of the dishes, and she reflects on the way the ancient traditions of seed saving and innovative cuisine have come together to create something truly special.
Throughout "Ancient Seeds & Desert Ghosts," Pati provides fascinating insights into the history and culture of the Sonoran Desert, offering viewers a glimpse into a world that is often overlooked and underappreciated. With her trademark warmth and enthusiastic curiosity, Pati brings the sights, sounds, and flavors of this unique region to life, making for an engaging and informative episode that is not to be missed.