Cuban Food Culture

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Cuisine is usually associated with a specific culture, because it is primarily influenced by the ingredients available in a region. Also, because the way people produce and traditionally prepare and consume food nowadays, although in some cases is hugely influenced by marketing, is in many other cases the result of history and custom of a nation. American and Cuban cuisine are examples of different cultures expressions. They are part of the life styles of their people, and they differ in aspects such as its origins, the way they are prepared, the common plates in every day life, the traditional meals for celebration days, and the effects reflected for the development of food industry.
United States is a rich and varied blend of peoples, religions,
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It has distinctive ingredients, techniques and dishes. Cuban recipes have the wisdom of spices and techniques inherited from the Taino natives, combined with Spanish and African cuisine and some Caribbean spices and flavors influences. A typical Cuban breakfast consists of a “tostada”, a portion of Cuban bread which is buttered and then toasted, and “cafe con leche”, a combination of strong, espresso coffee with warm milk. A typical meal would consist of rice and beans, a main dish (mainly pork, chicken or beef), some sort of “vianda” such as yucca, malanga, plantains or potato (all served either boiled or fried), unripe bananas or even corn; and a salad usually simply composed of tomato, lettuce and avocado; though cucumbers, cabbage and green beans are not uncommon.
In addition to the natural flavors of Cuban food, we like to condiment our products, especially meat, a few hours before they are cooked. We also like to use “sofrito” which is prepared with onions, garlic, and green bell peppers. It is a base for beans, stews, rice, and other dishes, including “ropa vieja” and “picadillo”. Other secondary components include, but are not limited to, tomato sauce, dry white wine, cumin, bay leaf and cilantro. Chorizo (sausage), tocino (Bacon) and ham are added for specific recipes, such as