Watch Eat: The Story of Food

Eat: The Story of Food is a six-part documentary series produced by National Geographic in 2014. The show explores the history, science, and culture behind our favorite foods, revealing fascinating stories and surprising facts about how food has shaped our world. The host of the show, Allen Salkin, is a writer and food expert who takes us on a journey through time, tracing the evolution of food from its earliest origins to the present day. Along the way, he meets with scientists, chefs, farmers, and other food experts to discuss the latest research and explore the cultural and social significance of different foods.

The first episode of the series, titled "Food Revolutionaries," explores the origins of agriculture and how it transformed human society. Salkin travels to Mexico to learn about the history of chocolate, which was first cultivated by the ancient Maya and Aztec people. He also visits Turkey to explore the rise of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent, and interviews a professor who has studied the evolution of human teeth to understand how changes in diet have shaped our bodies.

In the second episode, "Carnivores," Salkin examines the role of meat in human evolution, and how it has shaped our society and culture. He meets with a rancher in Texas to learn about the challenges of raising cattle, and a hunter in Africa who uses traditional methods to hunt wild game. He also explores the rise of fast food and the industrialization of the meat industry, discussing the environmental and ethical concerns that have arisen as a result.

Other episodes in the series focus on specific foods and their impact on human history and culture. "Sugar Rush" explores the rise and fall of the sugar industry, from slavery to modern-day obesity epidemics. "Breads and Grains" examines the cultural and religious significance of bread in different societies, and the science of fermentation. "Sea Change" explores the impact of overfishing and pollution on our oceans and the seafood industry, and "Feasting and Fasting" looks at the role of food in religious and cultural ceremonies, from Passover to Thanksgiving.

Throughout the series, Salkin interviews a wide range of experts and personalities, from celebrity chefs to food historians to genetic scientists. He also visits iconic food locations, such as McDonald's headquarters, the Hershey's Chocolate factory, and the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. Along the way, he reveals fascinating stories and surprising facts about how food has shaped our world.

Overall, Eat: The Story of Food is an engaging and informative series that combines science, culture, and history to explore the fascinating world of food. Salkin is an engaging and knowledgeable host, and the show features beautiful cinematography and engaging storytelling that will appeal to foodies and history buffs alike.

Eat: The Story of Food is a series that ran for 2 seasons (8 episodes) between November 21, 2014 and on National Geographic