During the acorn season, pigs used for jamón ibérico de bellota feed heavily on fallen acorns.
That means a slice of ham can actually tell us something about geography, climate, plants, animals and farming traditions.
Food also connects to the cultural environment. Spanish cafés and tapas bars are places where people meet and socialize. Eating isn't always something to rush through before moving on to the next activity. I've seen café tables filling sidewalks and town plazas throughout southern Spain.
I've traveled from Africa to Europe on this expedition, but some of the most interesting discoveries haven't been monuments or famous landmarks. Sometimes they've been growing beside the road or sitting right in front of me on a plate.
If I visited your hometown, what food would you give me to help me understand where you live?
