2. Salt

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.

3. Acid

To illustrate the transformative power of acids, Samin visits Yucatán, where sour oranges, salsas and Mayan honey add new dimensions to every dish.

4. Heat

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.