How 23 Foods Get To The Grocery Store | Big Business Marathon | Insider Business

This segment covers the journey of bananas from farms in Magdalena, Colombia, where efforts are underway to protect the Cavendish banana variety from a lethal fungus known as TR4. The Cavendish is particularly vulnerable due to its genetic uniformity, making it susceptible to widespread disease. To combat TR4, Colombian farms have implemented stringent biosecurity measures, such as vehicle disinfection and sanitizing foot baths for workers. The segment details the meticulous process of banana cultivation, from measuring the ripeness of the bananas to the careful handling and packaging that allows them to be shipped to consumers worldwide.

This section delves into the process of making ice cream at a Ben and Jerry's factory, highlighting the creation of the ice cream base and the addition of unique flavors and chunks. It explains how the factory utilizes a blend of cream, milk, sugar, and other ingredients to create their famous ice cream bases, which are then enhanced with a variety of flavors and mix-ins. The narrative emphasizes Ben and Jerry's commitment to texture and inclusion of large chunks in their ice cream, showcasing the careful process of mixing, freezing, and packaging that results in the final product enjoyed by consumers.

This paragraph explores the traditional process of making Gorgonzola cheese in Italy, from the initial addition of specific fungi to milk for fermentation, to the intricate care taken during the aging process to develop its characteristic blue veins. The cheese undergoes several stages, including molding, salting, and piercing to allow oxygen to facilitate the growth of blue veins. The segment details the precise conditions under which the cheese matures, emphasizing the skill and knowledge required to produce Gorgonzola's distinct flavor and texture.

This segment provides insight into the production of Beluga caviar, one of the most expensive types of caviar, highlighting the lengthy and meticulous process involved. From the initial stages of harvesting eggs from mature sturgeon fish to the careful packaging and maturation process, the segment underscores the craftsmanship and attention to detail required to produce caviar that meets the high standards of luxury and taste expected by consumers.

This part of the script examines the traditional methods used in canning sardines, focusing on a specific factory's commitment to quality and tradition. It describes the entire canning process, from the initial preparation of fresh sardines to the detailed manual labor involved in cutting, brining, and packaging the fish. The segment highlights the artisanal approach taken by the factory, including the use of handcrafted tools and the careful selection of ingredients that contribute to the distinct flavors of the canned sardines.

This segment outlines the brewing process of kombucha, starting with the basic ingredients of water, tea, and sugar, and leading up to the fermentation stage where the SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast) plays a crucial role. It details the steps involved in preparing the tea, fermenting it to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide, and then the careful process of alcohol removal to meet legal non-alcoholic standards. The narrative emphasizes the traditional aspects of kombucha brewing alongside modern regulatory and quality control measures to ensure a consistent and safe product for consumers.

This section delves into the wet harvest process of cranberries at an Ocean Spray farm, highlighting the innovative and sustainable practices employed to gather and process the fruit. From flooding the cranberry bogs to using specialized equipment for collecting the floating berries, the narrative provides a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in cranberry harvesting. It also touches on the challenges and adaptations faced by farmers, including adhering to environmental standards and implementing COVID-19 safety measures, to ensure a successful and efficient harvest.

This segment explores the traditional and labor-intensive process of salt harvesting in a desert environment, where families work collectively to build salt pans and gather salt crystals formed through the evaporation of brine water. It highlights the harsh conditions under which salt farmers work, including the physical toll and health risks associated with constant exposure to high temperatures and acidic brine. The narrative also reflects on the economic challenges faced by these communities, despite their crucial role in producing salt for various uses.

This paragraph narrates the story of Acme Smoked Fish, a family-owned business that has grown to become a major player in the smoked fish industry. It covers the company's history, its expansion, and the process of making its signature smoked Nova salmon, including the meticulous preparation, brining, and smoking techniques that contribute to the product's distinct flavor and quality. The segment underscores the blend of tradition and innovation that has enabled Acme to thrive and maintain its reputation in the competitive food market.

This section examines the comprehensive process of oyster farming in Virginia, from the initial stages in the hatchery to the final steps of packaging and shipping. It highlights the scale and sophistication of the aquaculture operations, which include breeding, nurturing, and harvesting oysters in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. The narrative emphasizes the challenges and successes of the industry, including adapting to market fluctuations and leveraging aquaculture to meet growing seafood demand while preserving natural resources.

This final segment details the production process of Heinz ketchup, one of the world's most popular condiments. Starting with large crates of tomato paste, it walks through the mixing, seasoning, and cooking stages that transform simple ingredients into the iconic ketchup. The narrative highlights the strict quality control measures, including the unique viscosity test to ensure consistency across all Heinz ketchup products. It concludes with the packaging and global distribution, underlining Heinz's commitment to quality in every bottle.