Episodes
| Episode | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 20210301 | 20210302 (R4) | Adrian Scarborough reads from journalist Robert Penn's account of his search for the perfect bread made from ancient wheat grains - a quest that takes him to several countries around the world, including Egypt, Turkey and America, before he returns home to grow his own wheat in the Black Mountains in Wales. Can he learn to plant, harvest, thresh and bake enough sourdough bread to feed his family for a year? Abridged by Anna Magnusson Producer: Bruce Young Journalist Robert Penn's account of his search for the perfect bread. Adrian Scarborough reads from Robert Penn's account of his search for the perfect bread. |
| 02 | 20210302 | 20210303 (R4) | In Egypt - where the rich alluvial soil once made the Nile delta the grain store of the Roman world - Robert Penn learns how to scythe wheat as farmers have done for thousands of years. Back in Wales he makes his first attempt to harvest his own home-grown wheat. Read by Adrian Scarborough Abridged by Anna Magnusson Producer: Bruce Young Egypt - where the Nile delta was once the grain store of the Roman world. Adrian Scarborough reads from Robert Penn's account of his search for the perfect bread. |
| 03 | 20210303 | 20210304 (R4) | In America, Robert Penn discovers how the combine harvester transformed the vast plains of the Midwest. In Wales, his first harvest provides enough flour to make bread for a year - but it's still a disappointing return for his back-breaking labours. Read by Adrian Scarborough Abridged by Anna Magnusson Producer: Bruce Young In America, Robert Penn discovers how the combine harvester transformed the Midwest. Adrian Scarborough reads from Robert Penn's account of his search for the perfect bread. |
| 04 | 20210304 | 20210305 (R4) | How from ancient times white bread became the preserve of the rich. Adrian Scarborough reads from Robert Penn's account of his search for the perfect bread. |
| 05 | 20210305 | 20210306 (R4) | Journalist Robert Penn explores how bread has been central to religion through the ages, how modern manufacturing processes have radically changed the taste of bread, and after weeks of trial and error he tries out his new bread-making skills on his family. Will they give him the thumbs-up for the perfect loaf? Read by Adrian Scarborough Abridged by Anna Magnusson Producer: Bruce Young Robert Penn explores how bread has been central to religion through the ages. Adrian Scarborough reads from Robert Penn's account of his search for the perfect bread. |