Spain and Portugal

Geography

●Surrounded by the Atlantic ocean and the
mediterranean sea

●Portugal borders Spain on its northern and
eastern frontiers

●Mild temperatures and long days

●2 main groups of islands: Balearic islands
and Canary islands

●2nd highest and most mountainous country
in Europe

●Central plateau called the “Meseta”

Geography & Relation to Food

●Dry climate which helps grow olives and grapes.

●Rich soil in their interior valleys which helps grow a
variety of vegetables.

●Plateaus provided a place for animals to graze

●Every region in Spain has its own special cuisine
based on the geography of the region

Some of Spain’s History Related to Cuisine

The Moors, who were Arabs from North America, entered
the south of Spain in 711 A.D.
○

Introduced the Spaniards to oranges, lemons, watermelon,
pomegranate, grapes, artichokes, spinach, eggplants, dates, nuts,
herbs, and a variety of spices.

○

The Spanish adopted combining sweet with savory, as well as the
use of honey from the Moors

Some of Spain’s History Related to Cuisine

○During Middle ages, the Spanish began using one-pot cookery
■ Cooked any available ingredients in one pot over a fire.

○Most of the shepherds flocks consisted of lamb and sheep.

■As a result, braising remains a common cooking method

○Grilling and frying was introduced to the southern region of Andalusia by
the Arabians

○Spain was a trade center for spices in the fifteenth century

Religions in Spain and Connections to Cuisine

-Over 75% population is
roman catholic

-only 20% practice

-20% don’t claim a faith

-3% Islam

-2% other faiths

-Judaism, Jehovah witness, and
other

-1% protestant

Common Cooking Methods & Meal Customs

Olive oil is used often in recipes

○ Spain produces an enormous quantity of olive oil and is

a major exporter to the rest of the world

○ 700 known varieties of olives

Common Foods and Cuisine

●Cooking in Spain is all about simplicity.

●Tend to use fresh ingredients.

●Contrary to what most people believe the
food is not spicy, more spicy foods are
found in Iberian cuisines.

History of Spain & Olive Oil

​https://youtu.be/dnzSoMqOWDY

Go to this link to learn more about it!

Common Meal Customs

●One meal custom is called “sobremesa”.
○The word literally means "over the
table" and refers to the art of
conversation after a meal

○Instead of taking the last bite and
leaving, Spaniards often stay at the table
conversing, enjoying each other's
company

●Whether out at a restaurant or in the home
with the family, it is very typical to drink wine
along with a meal.