Cuba is a large island located south of Florida with mountain ranges across its varied terrain. Christopher Columbus discovered Cuba in 1492, bringing it under Spanish control. The Spanish exploited native populations and imported African slaves to work plantations, cultivating staple crops like sugar cane. Cuban cuisine reflects this cultural mixture, featuring rice, beans, tropical fruits, and spices influenced by Spanish and African traditions. However, the 1959 Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro caused many food shortages and trade restrictions due to opposition and international conflicts, drastically changing Cuban food availability and quality.