Valencia’s fertile agricultural land, known as La Huerta, boasts 1,200 years of history and wisdom. The Arabs introduced monsoon species—such as citrus fruits, chufas (tiger nuts), eggplants, pumpkins, and apricots—that were successfully acclimated with innovative irrigation systems and new agricultural techniques. They also introduced rice. The Huerta developed as a network of acequias (irrigation channels) and alquerías (farms), which forever changed the rural landscape of this region, as well as the way the population fed itself. With year-round access to fruits, vegetables, cereals, and legumes, the local diet became much more varied, healthy, and balanced.

This ‘green revolution’ led to agricultural surpluses, which were traded in rural markets that later became the foundations of some of the region’s towns. Valencia itself also developed its own central market, where an almuhtasab (market supervisor) ensured the quality and price of products. The origins of the current Mercado Central de Valencia—considered Europe’s largest fresh food market and a true architectural gem—can be traced back to the Muslim zoco (marketplace) held in the Boatella area.

The Arab influence is also evident in Valencia’s pastries, especially in sweets such as arnadí (a pumpkin or sweet potato cake), pastelitos de boniato (sweet potato pastries), and mazapanes (marzipan), which are especially popular during the celebration of Sant Donís. And, of course, there’s the famous horchata.