Ep 10. Aloha Edibles

Unwrapped is a popular food show that explores the mysteries behind some of our favorite snacks, treats, and beverages. In season 8, episode 10, titled Aloha Edibles, the show takes us on a mouth-watering journey to discover some of the most delicious and unique food and drink creations from the beautiful islands of Hawaii.

The episode starts with a quick introduction to the history and culture of Hawaii, and how it has influenced its cuisine. Viewers are then taken on a tour of some of the most popular and off-the-beaten-path food spots in the islands. From roadside stands to high-end restaurants, host Marc Summers samples everything from poke bowls to shaved ice, and learns about the unique ingredients and techniques that make these dishes stand out.

One of the first stops is at a poke bowl shop, where Marc meets with the owner who explains how poke has become a staple dish in Hawaiian cuisine, and how it has evolved over the years. He then tries a variety of poke bowls, each with its own twist on the traditional recipe, from spicy to sweet, and with different toppings like avocado, seaweed, and even bacon.

Next up is a visit to a local farm where Marc learns about the importance of sustainability and organic farming in Hawaii, and how it has influenced the food culture on the islands. He tries some freshly picked fruits and vegetables and learns about some of the unique ingredients that are used in Hawaiian cuisine, like taro and lilikoi.

The show then takes us to a restaurant that specializes in spam dishes, a controversial ingredient that has become a beloved part of Hawaiian culture. Marc is introduced to the owner, who explains that spam became popular in Hawaii during World War II when it was used as a cheap and easy protein source. He tries a variety of spam dishes, including spam musubi and spam fried rice, and learns about the versatility of this ingredient.

No trip to Hawaii would be complete without trying some shaved ice, and Unwrapped delivers with a visit to a local vendor who creates unique and colorful shaved ice creations. Marc tries a rainbow-hued shaved ice with a variety of syrups and toppings, including coconut cream, li hing mui (a dried plum seasoning), and even a scoop of ice cream on top.

The episode rounds out with visits to a bakery where Marc tries malasadas, a Portuguese pastry that has become popular in Hawaii, as well as a taro chip factory where he sees how these unique chips are made and gets to taste them fresh from the fryer.

Overall, Unwrapped season 8, episode 10, Aloha Edibles, is a fun and informative journey through the flavors and culture of Hawaii, showcasing the diversity and creativity of Hawaiian cuisine. From poke to shaved ice, spam to taro chips, viewers will be left with a newfound appreciation for the unique and delicious foods of these beautiful islands.