1. CUBA CubanFood Ulises Nava

3. 42,803 square miles (almost the size of Ohio).

4. Southern coast has long stretches of lowland and swamps.

5. Flat or rolling terrain makes up more than half the island, the remainder is hilly or mountainous.

6. On the west the Sierra de los Organos mountain range.

7. On the center the Trinidad (Escambray) mountain range.

8. On the east the CierraMaestra mountain range.

10. Mixture of Cultures and Food Typical Cuban food currently includes, starches, fruits and spices. Starches include white rice, yellow rice and black beans. Fruits comprise oranges, lemons and bananas. Spices embrace olive oil, garlic marinades, cumin, cayenne, coriander. Chicken and Pork are plentiful and inexpensive in comparison to milk products that are not only expensive but also difficult to store.

11. Major Factor to Cuisine At the end of the Cuban revolution in 1959 drastic changes occurred which affected Cuban food. Fidel Castro overthrew the government in such revolution. Many Cubans who opposed Castro fled the country, some were cooks or restaurant owners. Food shortages became common, and whatever food was accessible was of low quality. Further more Castro’s international disagreements created trade restrictions that remain to this day.