Nuances That Came Here to Stay

WITH THE HISPANIC CONQUEST OF CUBA, ALONG WITH THE CROSS AND THE SWORD, MANY OTHER NUANCES CAME ALONG. AS TIME WENT BY, SOME WERE ADDED TO THE CUBAN TASTE UNTIL THEY MERGED WITH THE CUBAN TRADITIONAL CUISINE

On the threshold of the 15th century, just starting the Hispanic conquest of Cuba, along with the cross, the sword, and some firearms, some other nuances came along. In the early years, seamen, soldiers, and expeditionaries had no other alternative but turning to the very same traditional cuisine of the first inhabitants. New species of animals (pigs, poultry, cattle, sheep, and goat) were brought from the second voyage made by Christopher Columbus to the New World.

The effects derived from the hunting and plundering of natural resources in the already-seized lands were felt almost immediately. It triggered a progressive increase of migratory processes from the Iberian Peninsula, with its attendant modifying effects in essential customs. A myriad of edible products hitherto unknown by the first inhabitants of the Antilles appeared: meat, milk, cheese, confectionery, legume, and vegetal oil; and fruits hailing from other regions of the world, grasses, rice, and other grains. Hailing from neighboring countries came potato, tomato, and chocolate, whereas coffee —notwithstanding arriving in the middle of the

conquering years— had gone a long way from Africa, Europe, and South America.

Likewise, different processes of food preservation and preparation; for instance, salted and smoked meat, pickled vegetables, and fruits preserved in light syrup, paired to the quickly extended practice of frying using animal fat. Thus, the eating habits resulting from the logical merging of cultures for both immigrants and those we could already name locals were fostered, stabilized, and stratified. In short, from the 16th to the 19th century, Spain's migration focused on the economic wealth and “make their fortune” or “make their America,” and consequently, Spain's cultural influence prevailed.

Therefore, the Iberian Peninsula authorities encouraged the Hispanic migration to the Island on purpose. In addition to increasing the number of skilled workforce required, it was appropriate to have a larger presence of white men rather than black men. Cuba was one of the first colonies where the phenomenon of African forced migration occurred. It was caused by the early extinction of the aboriginal population at the hands of the

Las aves de corral fueron introducidas al Nuevo Mundo en el segundo viaje de Cristóbal Colón. Fowls were brought to the New World during Christopher Columbus' second voyage.