1. Fat

In northern Italy, Samin savors the magical properties of olive oil, pork fat and cheese as she visits farms and helps prepare local specialties.

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.