Ep 3. Garlic Breath

In "Garlic Breath," the third episode of the first season of Rotten, viewers are taken on a journey through the world of garlic farming and manufacturing, both in the United States and in China.

The episode starts in California's Central Valley, known for its thriving garlic crop. The team behind Rotten dives into the lives of the farmers growing this allium, and discovers that the garlic industry has become increasingly reliant on shady middlemen who manipulate prices and quality, often with disastrous effects for small-time farmers.

As the episode progresses, viewers are taken across the Pacific to China, one of the world's largest producers of garlic. Here, the team explores everything from the brutal conditions of garlic factory labor to the corrupt practices that plague the country's garlic trade. Through interviews with garlic workers and factory owners, the episode offers a glimpse into the many ways that garlic production can be both dangerous and unregulated.

Despite these alarming challenges, the episode also reveals some of the ingenuity and passion of those involved in the industry. From the garlic farmers fighting back against exploitative middlemen to the garlic factory workers who organize their own protests, "Garlic Breath" explores the many different ways that garlic has shaped the lives of people around the world.

Overall, this episode of Rotten is a fascinating exploration of one of the world's most ubiquitous and beloved ingredients. Through its focus on everything from the dark side of garlic farming to the human stories behind the industry, "Garlic Breath" offers viewers a thought-provoking look at a food product many of us take for granted.