1. Tapas, a staple of Spanish cuisine, literally means “cover” or “lid” in Spanish, originating from the practice of covering drinks with small plates of food.
2. Paella, Spain’s national dish, has over 200 variations, with ingredients like seafood, chorizo, and vegetables.
3. Spain is the world’s largest producer of olive oil, accounting for over 40% of global production.
4. Gazpacho, a cold soup made from tomatoes and peppers, originated as a peasant food in Andalusia.
5. The famous Iberian ham, Jamón ibérico, is cured for up to 3 years and can cost over $1,000 per leg.
6. Churros, fried dough pastries coated in sugar, were originally a breakfast food, often enjoyed with hot chocolate.
7. The Spanish love their bread, with over 300 types, including crusty baguettes and sweet pastries.
8. La Tomatina, a famous festival in Buñol, involves a massive tomato fight, with over 100 metric tons of tomatoes thrown.
9. Spain has a rich tradition of sweet treats, including Mantecados (lard cakes) and Polvorones (shortbread-like cookies).
10. Sangria, a fruity wine punch, originated in Spain and Portugal, with recipes dating back to the 18th century.
I hope you find these facts interesting! Is there anything else you’d like to know about Spanish cuisine? Let us know using the comment section, and remember to subscribe to our newsletter.
