There are many countries around the world that are influenced by other cultures. This is true of Spain and more specifically, their cuisine. Over many years, Spaniards have created a unique and flavorful way of making food.
Travelers brought different foods and traditions with them as they arrived in Spain. During Roman times, the Greeks gave gifts of olive oil. Later, the Moors brought fruits, nuts, meats and more importantly, rice. They also introduced a lot of spices to the Spanish. Among them were nutmeg, paprika, saffron and cinnamon. After Christopher Columbus' visit to America in 1492, sailors brought back vanilla, chocolate, tomatoes, potatoes and beans.
Spain is located on a peninsula, so it is almost completely surrounded by water. This is heavily influential to the cuisine. Seafood and fish are often served as a main dish. Vegetables and meats such as game, cured hams and sausages like chorizo are also popular among the culture of their food. Some traditional Spanish dishes are: Gazpacho- a cold tomato-based vegetable soup; Tortilla de Patatas- an egg omelet; Cozido- a stew with various meats and hearty vegetables; and Paella- a rice dish.
The customs of eating have been the same over the years in Spain. Breakfast consists of something small, like a cup of coffee and a pastry or churro. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day and has several courses. Families gather in the afternoon to have this important meal together. It is also traditionally followed by a siesta. Dinner is usually something lighter at the end of the day. Wine is almost always severed along with these meals.
Rich in wheat fields, vineyards, groves and farms, there is no doubt that Spain has always had an abundance of food sources. They are truly a melting pot of different foods influenced by so many cultures.
Sources:
Makofsky, N.(1999)History of Spanish Foods. Retrieved October 3, 2010, from http://www.ehow.com/about_4597614_history-spanish-foods.html
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