Andalucia food: a Step-by-Step Journal of Andalucian Cuisine

Andalucia food is an introduction to a revolutionary chapter for this website.

One day talking at lunch to some foreign friends I was stunned by their views on Andalucian cooking and produce.

They see Andalusian cuisine as a ground-breaking experience.

An example of their comments:
"Many people in northern Europe, do not know that green and black olives come from the same tree...the importance of size-classification for pickling olives. What is Mojama? What kind of cheese is membrillo: we bought some and discovered...it's sweet! The abundant use of peppers; explain the many varieties of peppers, an ingredient that the Spanish so love in their food."

My friends opinions mattered.

What, Where and When?

What grows where? al-Andalus agriculture taught the optimum time for harvesting, fishing and hunting the best Andalucian produce. Which province produces what... such as: where does or Jamon Serrano or Iberico originate from? Learn interesting details about the olive tree and about the History of Spanish Food. What do you know about the famous Spanish spice: Famous Spanish Food Pimenton.

Feria del Vino 2010, Palacio de Congressos, Torremolinos

Andalucia History Had a Very Significant Role in Andalucian Diet and Cuisine

Who brought which produce from where? Moorish Spain transformed diet of the Iberian Peninsula which latterly flooded into European cuisines, but Roman Spain kick-started partying on a grand scale. A good cook was one of the most prized members of a Roman household.

Did you know that Pre-Christian and Roman influences still have a say during: Christmas in Spain?

The "Blackbird" of Fashion: Ziryab

The Romans may have been extravagant, reclining and lush - but it was Ziryab (789 - 857 AD), the Baghdad court musician (who brought the original guitar with him to Spain). He initiated a massive transformation to diet and fashion in multiple avenues.

al-Andalus guitar instrument displayed
in the Museo de Ciencia, Granada.

Ziryab effected a radical change in dietary habits, table etiquette and noble graces, introducing innovative Abbasidian standards of luxury-living to the al-Andalus.

Ziryab influenced future European dinning habits and table-ware: like a three course meal eaten from plates and liquids sipped from crystal glasses, opposed to metal goblets - all of which, stood the test of time.

al-Andalus glass production

Loza Dorada

The al-Andalus specialized in Loza Dorada pottery and impeccable weaving.

Ziryab created a fashion for fine table-linen - a tradition which remains: Andalucia is renowned for meticulously embroidered table-ware.

Loza Dorada was a speciality al-Andalus artisan-craft
The Alhambra vases are one example of the height of sophistication in Loza Dorada style

Andalucia Food Recipes

• Andalucia food Pimientos: Tricolor Sun-Kissed Pepper Salad
• Calamar Spaghetti
• Strawberry Delight

Follow the historic sense of: "Where, When and What and sometimes Whom" on our recipes of Andalucia Food.

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