Ep 1. Hot Stuff Unwrapped
- TVG
- July 8, 2002
- 20 min
Unwrapped is a fun and fascinating show that explores the origins and secrets behind some of America's most popular snack foods and treats. In season 2 episode 1, titled "Hot Stuff Unwrapped," the focus is on all things spicy.
Host Marc Summers takes viewers on a tour of the fiery side of the food world, beginning with a visit to the Tabasco factory in Louisiana. He takes us behind the scenes to see how the iconic hot sauce is made, from the harvesting of the peppers to the bottling process. We also learn about the history of Tabasco and hear some spicy anecdotes about its use in everyday life.
Next up, Marc travels to Texas to explore the world of hot chili peppers. He meets with some of the state's hottest chili pepper growers and learns about the different varieties, from the mild jalapeno to the extremely spicy habanero. He samples some of the peppers and even tries his hand at making his own hot sauce.
After a brief detour into the world of cinnamon-flavored snacks, including the beloved Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, it's back to the spicy stuff, as Marc visits a company that specializes in spicy snacks. He tries some of their spicy chips, popcorn, and other snacks, while learning about the science of spiciness and how our bodies react to it.
The episode also explores the history of some iconic spicy foods, including the Buffalo wing, which was created in Buffalo, New York in the 1960s. Marc meets with the owners of the Anchor Bar, where the Buffalo wing was born, to learn about the history of this beloved snack and see how they make their wings today. He also visits a company that makes a unique twist on the classic Buffalo wing: mac and cheese balls infused with Buffalo sauce.
Finally, the episode wraps up with a visit to a hot sauce festival in Louisiana, where Marc tries some of the hottest sauces imaginable and meets with some of the people who make them. He also learns about the culture surrounding hot sauce and sees firsthand how it brings people together.
Overall, "Hot Stuff Unwrapped" is a spicy and entertaining episode that explores the fascinating world of spicy foods and the people who make them. Whether you're a fan of spicy snacks or just curious about how they're made, this episode is sure to be a treat.