Exotic imports

The Phoenicians, Greeks, and later the Romans had already taught the Iberians how to grow wheat, olives, and grapevines as well as convert Mediterranean fish into the best garum (fermented fish sauce) in the empire. However, the Arabs brought a total revolution in the cultivation of fruit and vegetables, in their preparation, and in overall flavor. Spice was the keyword, but not only that. By implementing intricate hill terracing and irrigation channels using water wheels (in Spanish noria, an Arabic word), the new occupiers turned this mountainous, part-arid terrain into a veritable land of milk and honey—or rather olive oil and molasses.