Terra X

The chemistry of cooking (1) Water – the secret super ingredient (2025x39)

Air date: Oct 05, 2025

Without water, there would be no delicacies: in the episode "Water", Dr Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim explores the most versatile of all elements. Water is not only the source of all life, but also occurs in all its states of aggregation in the kitchen: liquid, gaseous and as ice. Water is needed for a hearty bouillabaisse in a southern French harbour, for steaming the perfect yeast dumplings in the Alps, but also for creamy Sicilian granita. The chemist also explains what water has to do with the perfect French fries. Crispy French fries, steaming bouillabaisse or creamy vanilla sauce: the Terra X documentary shows why water plays a central role in the kitchen. Not only when cooking, steaming and blanching.