The word "Tapas" literally translates to "cover". There are many different theories on how tapas actually evolved. The most most engaging one I have come across is that of King Alfonso the X. In the tavernas of the middle ages in Andalusia, drinks were served with a "tapa" of flatbread or a slice of cured meat to prevent insects landing in the patrons wine and sherry glasses. This may have been the result of King Alfonso the 10th (Alfonso the Wise), who during an illness, would drink wine with small morsels of food between meals. Alfonso the Wise had a royal decree issued so that Castillian inns and taverns could no longer serve patrons wine or sherry, unless a small meals of food accompanied drinks. Another possibility is that the medieval taverna owners cottoned on to the fact that by serving salty cured ham or chorizo, and placing them gratuitously on top of the glass, would encourage thirst, boosting their profit margins!Tapas has evolved through Spanish history by the fusion of ingredients and influences from many different cultures and countries. The olive was first introduced to the Iberian Peninsula by the Roman invaders, who also introduced irrigation methods to the region. The Moors were the next most significant invaders and in the 8th century introduced almonds, citrus fruits and fragrant spices. These North African occupiers remained for the best part of 700 years, until Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile ruled, taking the Arab-Muslim Kingdom of Granada, together with the Alhambra Palace in 1492.
The tradition of the tapa spread throughout
