Ep 7. Minnesota State Fair: Curds, Corn & Cracklins

Minnesota is known for its abundance of lakes and its love for hotdish, but it's also home to one of the largest state fairs in the country. Host Andrew Zimmern takes viewers on a food journey through the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in this episode of Bizarre Foods America.

The episode begins with Zimmern exploring the history of the fair, which dates back to 1859. He then makes his way to the food vendors to see what kind of unique concoctions they've come up with for the fair's hungry visitors.

Zimmern starts with a classic fair food: corn on the cob. But this isn't your average corn on the cob - it's roasted over an open fire and rubbed with a spicy, cheesy seasoning. Zimmern remarks that it's the best corn on the cob he's ever had.

Next, Zimmern tries a fair favorite: cheese curds. These deep-fried nuggets of cheese are a staple at the Minnesota State Fair and Zimmern samples them in all varieties - plain, garlic, and even bacon-wrapped. He meets with the cheese curd vendors to learn about the science behind making the perfect curd.

But it's not just all fried foods at the Minnesota State Fair - Zimmern tries some healthier options too. He tries a wild rice burger made with a patty of the local Minnesota grain and topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions. He also samples a green smoothie made with kale, spinach, and apples.

But Zimmern can't resist the call of the deep-fried foods for too long. He tries another fair favorite: deep-fried pickles. These pickles are battered and fried to a golden brown, resulting in a crunch that Zimmern can't get enough of.

Another unique fair food that Zimmern samples is the porketta sausage sandwich. This sandwich is made with slow-roasted pork seasoned with garlic and fennel, and is a Minnesota classic.

Zimmern also tries a lesser-known fair food: pork belly cracklins. These deep-fried pieces of pork belly are crispy and fatty, and a true indulgence. Zimmern samples them plain and also as a topping on a burger.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern talks with the fair vendors to learn more about their dishes and the inspiration behind them. He also showcases the teamwork and camaraderie found among the vendors at the fair.

The episode ends with Zimmern feeling full and satisfied, but still excited for what the next Minnesota State Fair will bring. He remarks that the fair is truly a celebration of the state's food culture, and he can't wait to see what bizarre foods will be discovered in years to come.

Overall, the Minnesota State Fair episode of Bizarre Foods America is a fun and delicious exploration of one of the country's largest and most beloved state fairs.