Flavorful Origins visits the Chaoshan region in 20 approximately 10 minute segments featuring a different ingredient or process elegantly shot. The ingredients are shown from harvest or development to how they are prepared. Most of the dishes are traditional but there are also a few shown from chefs using the ingredients in innovative ways.

Whether olives, oysters, or oranges, the products are shown being harvested and why the particular product thrives there. Other segments deal with processing whether it is fermentation, brining, grinding, or pulverizing. Local markets, farmers, fisherman, and cooks are highlighted.

The camera shots narrow in displaying how sumptuous, juicy, or elastic the foods may be. Everything is colorfully and lovingly gazed over with the camera.

I enjoyed the history briefly told about the different products and processes. It was also interesting how the people of a region made the most of the resources around them to flavorfully feed themselves in ways other regions don't always use.

The beautifully shot and described segments give an outsider a brief glimpse into the origins and flavors, cooking styles, preserving techniques, and farming and fishing methods used to produce food that has fed and nourished the local populace for centuries. Nice bite size morsels, easily digested and visually consumed for the casual viewer.

4/22/23