State Plate with Taylor Hicks Season 3 Episode 4 West Virginia

In season 3 episode 4 of State Plate, the host, Taylor Hicks travels to West Virginia to sample the most iconic and delicious foods of the state. Hicks begins his journey with an early morning meal of biscuits and gravy, a staple breakfast dish for locals. He then moves on to try pepperoni rolls, a delicacy that originated with West Virginia's coal miners. Next on the list is ramp, famously known as "the wild onion," and is a native vegetable to the Appalachian region. Hicks encounters the ramp at a springtime food festival and tries it in various forms- fresh, pickled, and even sautéed with bacon. Throughout the episode, Hicks consistently showcases how important these foods are to the people and culture of West Virginia.

As the episode progresses, Hicks visits local farms to taste the fresh produce of the state. He tries everything from pawpaws, to sorghum, to cornmeal, all of which are major crops grown in the area. The host is impressed by the vast variety of produce and how well it can thrive in West Virginia's climate.

Hicks also explores the state's barbecue scene and discovers the unique style that is present in the region. He indulges in succulent ribs, chicken, pulled pork and all of the classic sides. The episode even takes Hicks to a festival specifically dedicated to barbeque, further showcasing the significance of this cultural tradition in the Mountain State.

The host then shifts his focus to iconic drinks of West Virginia, specifically apple cider. Hicks visits Hatfield's Orchard where he picks apples and tastes some of their famous cider. Finally, Hicks visits a moonshine distillery where he learns about the history of moonshine in the area and how it has shaped the culture of West Virginia. He even gets to taste a variety of flavored moonshine, ranging from sweet to spicy.

Throughout the episode, Hicks does an excellent job of incorporating the state's cultural traditions and foods while highlighting the unique flavors of West Virginia. The episode ends with Hicks looking back on his journey and showcasing all of the delicious foods he tried in the state. Overall, it is a must-watch for any food lover that wants to learn about West Virginia cuisine.