Tapas

The word “tapas” is derived from the Spanish verb tapar, “to cover”.

The original tapas were the slices of bread or meat which sherry drinkers in Andalusian taverns used to cover their glasses between sips. This was a practical measure meant to prevent fruit flies from hovering over the sweet sherry. The meat used to cover the sherry was normally ham or chorizo, which are both very salty and activate thirst. Tapas have evolved through Spanish history by incorporating ingredients and influences from many different cultures and countries, such as the Romans, the Moors and the discovery of the New World brought the introduction of tomatoes, sweet and chilli peppers, maize (corn) and potatoes.