Spain and Portugal

In what year did the Moors from Northern Africa first invade the Iberian Peninsula?

711 AD

Which type of nut, first introduced to Spain and Portugal by African Moors is most associated with the southern regions of the Iberian Peninsula?

Almonds

Which of the following is a type of Spanish blue cheese made from cow's milk?

Cabrales

Which of the following New World food was introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers?

Chocolate

What other major event helped to shape the cuisines of Spain and Portugal?

Discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus and other explorers

Which popular Spanish and Latin American food originated from Galicia in northern Spain?

Empanada

Which of the following countries borders Spain and shares the same climate and general geography?

France

Why is saffron so expensive?

It has to be picked by hand, and it takes 50,000 flowers to make 1 pound.

Which type of fat is preferred by most Spanish and Portuguese cooks when marinating or frying foods?

Olive oil

Which spice gives the predominant flavor and color to the famous Spanish rice and meat dish known as paella?

Saffron

Portugal's long coast line makes this protein a common table food?

Seafood

What type of livestock is found in the high, arid and dry plateaus of Spain?

Sheep and goats

Although they are a part of Europe and share European culture, why are the foods of Spain and Portugal so different?

The Iberian Peninsula is separated from the rest of Europe by the Pyrenees Mountains, which creates a natural barrier to the rest of Europe.

How did the people living in the Iberian Peninsula get introduced to wine, garlic, wheat and olives for the first time?

They were brought there by Roman invaders around 200 BC.

Which Spanish city borders the Mediterranean Sea and produces great produce like lemons, olives and grapes?

Valencia