About Spanish Food
Spain is a country where the geographical diversity of the land brings many regional dishes and ingredients. People are knowledgeable and fiercely proud of the specialities in their own region.
Spain's food production encompasses sometimes surprising contrasts, as this geographical diversity allows for vineyards, olive groves, orchards, as well as fishing along the rich rivers and coastlines and grazing animals on the steep pastures and the plains.
Spain has been highly regarded as an agricultural and gastronomic centre since ancient times, when the Romans imported olive oil from Andalucía. In fact Spanish food and farming has been heavily influenced by the many cultures that have occupied, traded with or settled in Spain over the centuries: a tradition continuing today. The Moors were one of the biggest influences, whose legacy is seen in many dishes and ingredients.
Spanish food and culture is enriched by this depth and diversity of history and influences, and the strongly regional styles and flavours.