Ep 1. Our Roots

High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America is a documentary series that explores the rich history and cultural significance of African American cuisine. In season 1 episode 1, titled "Our Roots," renowned culinary historian and author Jessica B. Harris takes viewers on a journey through the origins of African American cooking and how it has influenced American food culture as we know it today.

The episode begins by delving into the history and legacy of West Africa, examining the foods and cooking practices that were brought over to America during the transatlantic slave trade. Harris visits Senegal, a country with a strong connection to West Africa, and speaks with locals about the traditional dishes and cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations. She also visits the Gullah Geechee community in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, where African traditions have been preserved through food and language.

From there, the episode moves on to explore the impact of slavery on the development of African American cuisine. Harris visits Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, where she discovers how enslaved people were responsible for many of the dishes and culinary innovations that Jefferson took credit for. She also speaks with culinary historian Michael Twitty about the role of food in slavery and how enslaved people used food as a means of resistance and survival.

Moving forward in time, the episode explores the ways in which African American cuisine has influenced American food culture. Harris visits Tipton's Bar-B-Que in Kansas City, a restaurant that has been serving up classic barbecue dishes for over 80 years, and speaks with owner and pitmaster Carey Bringle about the history of barbecue and its roots in African American cooking.

The episode concludes with a look at the future of African American cuisine. Harris visits chef Mashama Bailey at The Grey in Savannah, Georgia, a restaurant that blends traditional African American recipes with modern techniques and ingredients. Bailey discusses how she incorporates her own personal history and experiences into her cooking, and shares her hopes for the future of African American cuisine.

Overall, "Our Roots" lays a strong foundation for the rest of the series by exploring the history and cultural significance of African American cuisine. By highlighting the contributions of enslaved people and the ongoing influence of African American cooking on American food culture, the episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the topic in future episodes.