Ep 7. Cambodia: Snakes on the Menu

Jeff Corwin returns in season 3 with yet another exciting and adventurous expedition to Cambodia, taking his viewers on an unforgettable journey on the latest episode titled "Cambodia: Snakes on the Menu."

The episode focuses on Cambodian cuisine and the way local restaurants prepare exotic dishes that include various species of snakes found in the region. Jeff Corwin travels deep into the local markets and street stalls to discover the wide range of unusual ingredients that are used to create these delicacies. His journey leads him to sample things like crickets, silkworms, spiders, and of course, snakes.

The episode begins with Jeff arriving in Cambodia and learning the significance of snakes in the local culture. He discovers that snakes are synonymous with good luck and are often one of the most favored ingredients used in traditional Cambodian dishes. Jeff then heads to a local market where he is fascinated by the array of snakes and other unusual insects on display.

After taking a walk through the market and sampling a few dishes, Jeff heads to a restaurant that specializes in snake preparation. The restaurant owners are passionate about their food and take pride in creating unique and tasty dishes using the freshest ingredients available. Jeff observes different cooking methods used to prepare the snakes, such as roasting and frying, and gets a chance to participate in the preparation process.

Moving on, Jeff travels deep into rural Cambodia, where he meets a group of villagers, known as the "snake people," who are skilled in capturing snakes in the wild. They demonstrate their incredible talent, showing Jeff how to handle snakes and identify them by their skin pattern. Jeff is amazed at the daring nature of these people and impressed with their knowledge and expertise.

Continuing on his journey, Jeff visits a village where he discovers that locals keep snakes as pets. He meets a family who keeps multiple snakes as household pets and learns about their love and affection for these often-feared creatures.

In the final segment of the show, Jeff visits a snake farm where thousands of snakes are bred for their meat and venom. He observes the process of breeding snakes and learns about the different species found in Cambodia. Jeff also meets with a scientist who studies snakes and their venom and discusses the medical potential of some of the chemicals present in the venom.

As the episode draws to a close, Jeff reflects on his experience and the impact this journey has had on him. He acknowledges the importance of respecting local customs and traditions and how these ancient ways can help preserve local cultures and wildlife.

Overall, "Cambodia: Snakes on the Menu" is a fascinating and adventurous episode that takes viewers on an unforgettable journey through the unique culture and cuisine of Cambodia. Viewers are left with a greater appreciation of the significance of snakes in this ancient culture and how they are integral to the local cuisine and traditions.