Spain’s cuisine is extraordinarily elaborate and diverse. And I guarantee you’re gonna love it.
Olive Oil
Here’s somethin’ I bet you didn’t know… Spain produces more olive oil than any other country in the world. 32% of the world’s olive oil comes from Spain. Italy, the second largest producer, producing 22% doesn’t even come close. In fact, the biggest buyer of Spanish olive oil is Italy! Italy buys Spanish olive oil, markets it as “Italian” olive oil, and exports it to places like the U.S. It’s true! Next time you go to the grocery store, take a close look at the fine print on a bottle of Pompeian brand extra virgin olive oil.
But that’s not all. Over 50% of Spain’s olive oil is produced right here in Andalusia. Yep, Granada is in the heart of olive oil country.
Pork
Eating jamón on a terraza
Pork is without a doubt the most important element in the Spanish diet. The jamón de pata negra which is made in the regions of Andalusia and Extremadura is a delicacy exported throughout the world. In the U.S., a single ham of the Spanish “black hoof” variety sells for as much as $1,395 or more. Spain’s chorizo and morcilla sausages are also fantastic. One of the most common ingredients in tapas is pork, whether it be a pork loin sandwich, carne en salsa (meat with sauce) or croquetas de jamón (delicious fried dough balls made with ham).
Seafood
Spanish seafood
Another important ingredient in the Spanish diet is seafood. Spaniards eat all kinds of fish and shellfish from cod and salmon to mussels and octopus. Don’t be surprised if you get served a whole fish with the head and everything. The eyes of the fish tell the customer how fresh the fish is. So, fish markets and restaurants always display whole fish. Of course, you can ask them to remove the head for you and they’ll be happy to oblige. While we’re on the subject, shrimp are also always sold and often served with the head. Just so you don’t freak out. 
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables in Spain are fantastic. They’re very fresh and taste great. The best place to buy them is at a frutería. But the supermarkets have good fruits and veggies, too. Some common vegetables in Spain are tomatoes, onions, garlic, zucchini, eggplant, asparagus, green peppers, mushrooms, etc. As for fruit, Spain has a lot I bet you’ve never heard of like quince fruit, chirimoyas and persimmons. Of course, Spain is famous for its oranges. In fact, the “Valencia” variety is named after Valencia, Spain, a city famous for its excellent oranges.
Sangría
Sangría on the beach
Sangría is one of Spain’s most famous beverages. There are lots of recipes for sangría but almost all of them include red wine, brandy and fruit chilled in a large bowl with a bunch of ice. Many recipes also use triple sec. Sangría is usually served in a wine glass or a hurricane glass although sometimes it may be served in a highball glass.
Tinto de Verano
This is a wine spritzer made from about two parts wine and 1 part of either sweetened club soda or a lemon soft drink such as Fanta de Limón. It’s usually served in a highball glass with ice although it can also be served in a wine glass or a hurricane glass.
Paella
Paella, a dish made with rice, meat, seafood, vegetables and saffron, is one of Spain’s most famous dishes. Ironically, it’s also about the only Spanish dish that uses rice.
The best place to eat paella is at the beach where chiringuitos (open-air bars and restaurants on the beach) cook up the freshest seafood in a giant paellada, an paella made in an enormous pan and cooked over a bonfire.
Bread
Bread in Spain is fantastic. And there are all kinds. One of my personal favorites is Pan Gallego (Galician-style bread). Some say that the most delicious bread in all of Spain is made right here in a suburb of Granada called Alfacar. So, if you have a chance to try Pan de Alfacar, do it.
