Cooked

A Natural History of Transformation

By: Michael Pollan

Narrated by: Michael Pollan

Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Michael Pollan, the best-selling author of The Omnivore's Dilemma, Food Rules, and How to Change Your Mind, explores the previously uncharted territory of his own kitchen in Cooked.

Cooked is now a Netflix docuseries based on the book that focuses on the four kinds of "transformations" that occur in cooking. Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney and starring Michael Pollan, Cooked teases out the links between science, culture and the flavors we love.

In Cooked, Pollan discovers the enduring power of the four classical elements - fire, water, air, and earth - to transform the stuff of nature into delicious things to eat and drink. Apprenticing himself to a succession of culinary masters, Pollan learns how to grill with fire, cook with liquid, bake bread, and ferment everything from cheese to beer.

Each section of Cooked tracks Pollan’s effort to master a single classic recipe using one of the four elements. A North Carolina barbecue pit master tutors him in the primal magic of fire; a Chez Panisse-trained cook schools him in the art of braising; a celebrated baker teaches him how air transforms grain and water into a fragrant loaf of bread; and finally, several mad-genius “fermentos” (a tribe that includes brewers, cheese makers, and all kinds of picklers) reveal how fungi and bacteria can perform the most amazing alchemies of all. The listener learns alongside Pollan, but the lessons move beyond the practical to become an investigation of how cooking involves us in a web of social and ecological relationships. Cooking, above all, connects us.

The effects of not cooking are similarly far reaching. Relying upon corporations to process our food means we consume large quantities of fat, sugar, and salt; disrupt an essential link to the natural world; and weaken our relationships with family and friends. In fact, Cooked argues, taking back control of cooking may be the single most important step anyone can take to help make the American food system healthier and more sustainable. Reclaiming cooking as an act of enjoyment and self-reliance, learning to perform the magic of these everyday transformations, opens the door to a more nourishing life.

©2013 Michael Pollan (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Pollan narrates his book in a conversational style filled with conviction and eagerness that drive the listener to join his evolutionary quest." (AudioFile)

Very Interesting!

Very thought provoking! Enjoyed his views and thoughts on modern day food culture, or lack there of. I already do most of my shopping at the farmers market and cook most meals. However, I will definitely be trying my hand at bread making after reading this book.

Food for thought

This has given me so much to think about and changed my perspective in a lot of ways. It was nice to be inspired to try to make new things instead of being lectured or scared into stopping eating or lifestyle habits. The Netflix series is great, but as always, the book was so much better.

Great Foodie Read

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys learning the ins and outs, history and culture surrounding some of our most beloved foods. Michael Pollan does a good job of keeping the reader interested and engaged while delving into scientific explanations and details.

Excellent production

Well researched, well written, well narrated. Interesting combination of history, science, and art. Don't miss this!

Poetic

Transform the way you think about food and it's effects on individuals, families, and civilization.

Another gem.

I bought this book when it was first published, but just kept putting of reading it, even though I loved his Netflix series based on it. It's just wonderful. Now I will try some of the recipes in the book.

Very enjoyable listen!

Any additional comments?

As a long-time foodie, home chef, and serial do-it-yourselfer, I greatly enjoyed Michael Pollan's treatise on food alchemy. The story is engaging, I learned a few new things, and Pollan does an excellent job of narrating in a natural, conversational tone. I only listen to audiobooks during my long commute, and I found myself anxious to get back on the road so I could listen to it some more. If you're passionate about food and cooking, you won't be disappointed!

Really fascinating book, well-read by the author

I am enjoying this book so much I decided to write a review before I finished. I usually am skeptical of author-narrated books since they don't always compare well with professionally narrated audios. This is definitely not the case with COOKED. I like the author's narration very much, he reads at a perfect speed, his voice is pleasant and he sounds like he knows what he's talking about. There's an aspect of direct communication and connection that really adds a lot to the audio.

Further, this is such a fascinating exploration of food and the history of cooking that I cannot stop listening and re-listening to some parts of the book a second time. I really like the way Pollan approaches his topics, illustrating his points through experiences with individuals who are experts at doing the kind of cooking he is studying and scientific studies on different chemical reactions that take place during cooking. I also enjoy the historical perspective.

I am almost halfway through the book and well into the chapter on water, or pot-cooking after having very much appreciated both the introduction and the section on cooking with fire. One of my favorite ways to listen to audiobooks is when I am cooking, which makes listening to this particular audiobook especially nice. Highly recommended read for anyone who loves to cook, loves to eat, or is interested in the role of cooking in human history.

helpfully, more than skin deep

In his wonderfully mellow, yet engaging performance, Mr. Pollan takes us through the details of a handful of cooking journeys, from barbeque to breadmaking to cheese, kimchi and more. A terrific listen. All that was missing, understandably, was the ability to actually taste what he was telling us about.

Classy Food Erotica

Would you listen to Cooked again? Why?

I have already listened to it again.
Everything looks palatable and acceptable against a background of beautiful food and its seductive description. This book is perfect for readers who want to read about food - and about life in context to food. Michael Pollan so cleverly touches upon myriad 'touchy' issues such as religion, gender, as well as our present day lives.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cooked?

Pollan describing his family's microwave night experiment...

What does Michael Pollan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Oh after listening to him, I feel all authors should try reading their own books. He brought so much life to the book. Also, only he knew what tone he meant the written words in the book to be read in...if that makes sense.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

About how humans justify animal sacrifice