? ON THE TUBE TONIGHT-
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Understand your pantry. Renowned chef René Redzepi narrates, “We are what we eat. This is the oldest and truest recipe I know of.” This sets the stage for Omnivore, a docuseries that delves into the origins of the humble ingredients forming the basis of meals around the world, a visually stunning and informative exploration that celebrates everyday ingredients.

What to expect: The first episode explores the chili pepper's journey, which begins in the Amazonian rainforest. Redzepi explains how the spiciness of the pepper was an evolutionary development that deterred animal consumption, with the exception of birds who lack the receptors to detect spiciness. By eating the seeds, the birds were able to spread them far and wide (through less savory methods).

The episode covers the history of the Scoville scale, and visits various global locales that hold the pepper dear. In Serbia, we see a family’s multigenerational effort to grow and process paprika peppers. Avery Island, Louisiana, showcases the Tabasco pepper's legacy, while Bangkok introduces us to the potent Prik Kee Noo pepper. Back in Copenhagen, Redzepi challenges his Noma staff with a ghost pepper derivative, leading to teary, sniffly reactions.

WHERE TO WATCH - You can watch the docuseries on Apple TV+ or watch the trailer (runtime:1:09).

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