1Fat
In northern Italy, Samin savors the magical properties of olive oil, pork fat and cheese as she visits farms and helps prepare local specialties.
2Salt
From sea salt to soy sauce to miso: A trip to Japan reveals the many forms salt can take -- and the profound effects it can have on food.
3Acid
To illustrate the transformative power of acids, Samin visits Yucatán, where sour oranges, salsas and Mayan honey add new dimensions to every dish.
4Heat
Back home in California, Samin uses heat to unlock rich colors and flavors as she roasts meat and veggies, then makes crispy rice with her mom.