We Are What We Eat: A Conversation with René Redzepi & Matt Goulding
Jul 30, 2024
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René Redzepi, a trailblazer in Nordic cuisine, joins food culture writer Matt Goulding to explore the intricate relationship between food and the environment. They discuss their docu-series 'Omnivore,' highlighting the cultural significance of ingredients like rice and coffee. The conversation dives into how climate change impacts our food choices and encourages a sustainable approach to eating. They advocate for understanding food origins and the stories behind ingredients, urging listeners to cultivate a hopeful perspective on food systems.
The podcast highlights the vital connection between food, climate, and sustainability, emphasizing the urgent need for informed consumer choices to combat climate change.
René Redzepi and Matt Goulding discuss how specific ingredients like bananas and tuna reflect broader cultural histories and globalization's impact on our food systems.
Deep dives
The Importance of Food and Climate Connection
The series explores the profound relationship between food and climate by connecting various ingredients to their agricultural contexts. It emphasizes that food is not just about cooking but is an extension of the environment, shaped by factors such as weather patterns and temperature changes. Each episode covers the journey of a specific ingredient, showcasing how culture and climate influence its production. This perspective invites viewers to reflect on how their food choices impact the planet and highlights the urgency of recognizing these connections in the face of climate change.
Cultural Significance of Key Ingredients
The series spotlights eight foundational ingredients, including rice, coffee, and banana, exploring their significance across cultures. Each ingredient serves as a vessel to reflect broader human experiences and the evolution of globalization. For instance, the banana episode illustrates how a single fruit has become ubiquitous worldwide, revealing the intricate history of its distribution. Similarly, the tuna segment showcases its journey and historical relevance, linking food to ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges.
Sustainability and the Future of Food
The discussion brings sustainability to the forefront, highlighting the need to rethink our food systems in response to climate challenges. The series features chefs who encourage the exploration of local and lesser-known ingredients as sustainable alternatives, emphasizing the importance of appreciating diverse flavors. It argues that small, informed choices can lead to collective change in how we approach food consumption. The hope is to inspire viewers to engage more thoughtfully with their food choices, fostering a sense of responsibility towards both their health and the environment.
In this special episode of Dinner SOS, Bon Appetit and Epicurious Editor in Chief Jamila Robinson sits down with chef René Redzepi and writer Matt Goulding, two of the creators of the new Apple TV+ series Omnivore. They talk about the pursuit of deliciousness, and the actions we as consumers and eaters can take to make choices that better support the people making our food.