food

In the Spanish culture, there are a variety of core, secondary and peripheral foods that make up the diet of Spaniards. Traditionally in the Spanish culture, meals begin with a light breakfast, followed by a multiple-course lunch and a late dinner. Since the meal times have large gaps throughout the day, it is common for the Spanish culture to enjoy an afternoon snack called "tapas.” Some foods that are core in the Spanish diet are meats, starches, egg and fish. Such meats as pork, chicken and lamb are common among meat dishes throughout Spain. The majority of the Spanish borders are adjacent to water, which is where Spain acquires most of their fish. Seafood is commonly eaten during lunch and dinner. Eggs are a common component in the Spanish diet. Probably the most important component of the Spanish diet is rice, which is found in a variety of Spanish dishes. A very popular meal eaten by the Spanish people is Paella, a rice dish prepared with vegetables and various seafoods. Fruits and vegetables are a key component in most Spanish dishes. Traditional Spanish vegetables consist of potatoes, olives, legumes, peppers and tomatoes. Fruit is often eaten as a desert in the Spanish culture, but popular dishes like flan and ice cream are also eaten.

Spain has a strong food culture that is very much alive today. As with any culture, Spain has many traditions and special customs that go with their unique and tasty cuisine. To begin, coffee in Spain has and continues to be the essence of the morning. Breakfast or “el desayuno” in Spain occurs first thing in the morning until the hour of 10:00am and in contrast to what nutrition experts say, happens to be the least important and smallest meal of the day. If eaten at all, breakfast in S...

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...niards continue their socializing in the cafes and taverns close by or go out to nightclubs for a dance.

As for table manners, Spaniards use fork and knife at all times, never their hands. For example, a slice of pizza or perhaps a hamburger would be eaten with a fork and a knife. In addition, there is something called “sobremesa” which is quite sacred in Spanish culture and is a period of time after eating where guests remain at the table to chat. One very famous custom of Spain is their Tapas. Beginning in the southern city of Seville, Spaniards have been perfecting their Tapas for some time now. Tapas are small Spanish plates that tend to go with wines and beers and are usually consumed with friends hopping from one Tapa bar to the other. Food is a very important component to the Spanish culture and is enjoyed among friends, family, and strangers alike.