Largest Island in Caribbean Sea: Cuba (The Moreish Podcast)

Exploring Cuba: A journey through the rich history, culture, and cuisine beyond communism, tropical vacation destination, and music.

A look at the history of Cuba

When most people think of Cuba, iconic images of Fidel Castro, communism, tropical islands, music, and food come to mind. In this episode of The Moreish Podcast we dive into the history of the people and food.

Cuba’s indigenous roots primarily trace back to the Taino and Siboney people. The Taino, related to the Arawaks, were peaceful agriculturalists until the Spanish conquest began in 1492 with Christopher Columbus’s landfall. Subsequent Spanish colonization drastically reduced the Indigenous population through mistreatment, dislocation, and diseases introduced by the European people.

Cuba’s demographic landscape, as of recent estimates, has a population of 64% white, 26.6% mixed race, and 9.3% black or Afro-Cubans. These figures reveal the island’s complex racial and cultural makeup, which is a blend of European, African, and Indigenous heritages.

Colonial Cuba: A Spanish Stronghold

By the mid-16th century, Spanish settlers had established governance over Cuba, significantly impacting its cultural and social structures. The slave trade became a grim reality with the introduction of African enslaved people to work on sugar plantations, which by 1860 accounted for one-third of the world’s sugar supply.

Havana was briefly under British control during the Seven Years War, highlighting the global interests vested in the island. The interplay between Spanish, British, and later American influences has undeniably shaped Cuban history.

The struggle for indepence

Cuba’s road to independence was fraught with struggles, marked by events like the 10 Years War (1868-1878) and the War of Independence led by revolutionaries like Jose Marti and Maximo Gomez. The Spanish repressive measures during these wars, including moving rural residents into re-concentration camps, resulted in widespread suffering and death. Despite these hardships, the war efforts culminated in the declaration of the Republic of Cuba in 1898.

The US Influence in Cuba: A double-edged sword

Though Cuban independence from Spain was granted in December 1898, the U.S. quickly occupied the country, imposing its influence over Cuba’s political and economic affairs. General Leonard Wood’s governance helped modernize Cuba’s infrastructure, including schools and roads, yet efforts were simultaneously made to exclude Afro-Cubans from political power. The Platt Agreement of 1901 essentially granted the U.S. rights to oversee Cuba’s international affairs, establishing a complex and often contentious relationship between the two nations.

Cuban and Cuban American Cuisine

Cuban cuisine remains a testament to the nation’s diverse heritage. Cuban-American is influenced by food in Cuba but with more resources available in the US the cuisine has morphed and adapted to include ingredients not readily available in Cuba due to restrictions and resource limitations.

Ropa Vieja, the national dish of Cuba

The national dish of Cuba, Ropa Vieja, translates to “old clothes.” Seems an odd name for food, but it stems from a folklore of a man who, unable to feed his family, boiled old clothes and prayed, miraculously creating a meaty stew. While the story may be mythical, the dish is certainly real. Originating from the Sephardic Jewish community in Spain over 500 years ago, Ropa Vieja is a slow-cooked beef stew simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, served over rice. This dish exemplifies the Spanish influence on Cuban cuisine.

Cuba’s history is a tapestry woven with threads of colonization, slavery, rebellion, and resilience. The island’s culture has been shaped by a myriad of influences—Spanish, African, Indigenous, and beyond. From the struggles for independence to the modern-day challenges under a communist regime, the Cuban spirit remains unbroken and vibrant.

The culinary traditions of Cuba, both on the island and within the Cuban-American community, tell a story of adaptation and survival. Despite resource limitations, dishes like Ropa Vieja and the Cuban sandwich (more prevalent in Cuban-American diaspora) stand as testaments to the nation’s rich cultural heritage.