Ep 1. Fire

Cooked is a documentary series that takes an in-depth look at the history, culture, and science of food. Each episode focuses on one of the four classical elements – Fire, Water, Air, and Earth – and how it is used to transform ingredients into delicious meals.

In the first episode, appropriately named Fire, we explore the primal power of this element in cooking. The show starts by taking viewers to the heart of the world's most ancient cooking traditions, where people still roast meat over open flames, just like our ancestors did thousands of years ago.

The host of the show, American food writer Michael Pollan, then takes us on a journey to unravel the science behind fire-roasting meat. He visits a cutting-edge food lab that uses high-tech equipment to analyze the chemistry of fire and cooking, and to explore why it is that humans are the only species that cooks their food.

From there, the episode delves into the transformative power of fire in cooking. We see how roasting, grilling, and smoking can completely transform meats and vegetables, creating flavors and textures that are impossible to achieve through any other method of cooking.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the episode is its exploration of the cultural and social implications of fire cooking. We see how ancient cooking rituals can still be found in modern-day cultures, and how they play a crucial role in shaping communities and relationships. We also see how the rise of industrialized food production has distanced many of us from our food traditions and lost the connection between us and our food.

Throughout the episode, Pollan makes a compelling case for the importance of rekindling our relationship with fire and the act of cooking. By understanding and participating in the transformative power of fire, we can reconnect with the rich history and culture of our food, and rediscover the joy and satisfaction of preparing and sharing food with others.

The episode ends with a celebration of the simple pleasure of a good meal, cooked over an open flame in the company of loved ones. It’s an inspiring start to the series, and leaves viewers with a renewed appreciation for the power of fire in cooking.