Unwrapped Season 4 Episode 6 Condiments
- TVG
- October 20, 2003
- 20 min
Unwrapped is a television show that explores the behind-the-scenes of the food industry and investigates the processes involved in making some of our favorite snacks. In season 4 episode 6, titled "Condiments," host Marc Summers delves into the world of condiments and explores the many different sauces and spreads we use to enhance the flavor of our food.
The episode begins with a visit to a condiment factory where we see how mustard is made. The plant is huge and boasts a state-of-the-art production line that can churn out thousands of bottles of mustard each day. Marc explains that mustard is made from mustard seeds, vinegar, and various spices. We learn that different types of mustard use different ratios of these ingredients to achieve their unique flavor profiles.
Next, we see how ketchup is made. The process begins with tomatoes, which are washed and sorted by hand before being pureed in a giant blender. This puree is then cooked down with various ingredients like vinegar, sugar, and spices to create the iconic sauce we all know and love. Marc notes that there are many different kinds of ketchup on the market, and we get a glimpse of some of the more unusual flavors like sriracha and curry ketchup.
Moving on from tomato-based condiments, we learn about the growing trend of hot sauce. Marc visits a hot sauce festival where he samples dozens of different types of spicy sauces, each with its own unique heat level and flavor profile. We see how hot sauce is made by blending chilis, vinegar, and other ingredients to create a fiery condiment that can be added to everything from tacos to scrambled eggs.
Then we move on to mustard again, but this time we're exploring the world of gourmet mustard. Marc visits a boutique mustard maker who produces small-batch, high-end mustards with unique flavors like honey, truffle, and garlic. We learn that these fancy mustards are often used in high-end restaurants and are becoming increasingly popular with foodies.
Finally, we wrap up the episode with a look at salsa. Marc visits a salsa factory where we see how the popular condiment is made using fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro. We learn that there are many different styles of salsa, ranging from mild and chunky to hot and smooth, and that homemade salsa is a popular party food that's easy to make and always a hit.
Throughout the episode, we meet various experts in the condiment industry who share their knowledge and expertise. We see how these sauces and spreads are made on a large scale, as well as how smaller producers are creating unique and artisanal versions of our favorite condiments. Whether you're a fan of ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, or salsa, this episode of Unwrapped is sure to give you a newfound appreciation for the delicious world of condiments.