Eating Raw in Europe

This week reader Megan from the US asks the question:

Dear Karen, thanks for the information on flying raw! I live in the United States and will be studying abroad this July in Madrid, Spain. I am really nervous because I have no clue how much vegan, let alone raw, foods I will be able to maintain in a different country! At least I know I will be set for my flights. Any tips about staying on a vegan or raw diet in Europe? Thanks so much, Megan Ellis

Karen: Hi Megan, how very exciting to be spending some time in Spain – lucky you! Of all the European countries, Spain is one of the easiest countries to eat raw in because they have an abundance of fantastic and delicous fresh produce available. Like anywhere, you have to be choosy about where you buy from, and the regular restaurants are generally not great at all in my expereince (probably the worst I have ever eaten in), but if my memory serves me correctly they have fantastic watermelon and mangoes! I would recommend that you gen up a bit on the exact area you will be staying in by making contact with other raw foodies in Spain and particularly Madrid of course. Likely you will find some people at giveittomeraw.com who can assist, or who might even become new lifeliong friends. Also, I googled “raw food madrid” and came up with this very handy article and as well as being an interetsing and helpful read, if you scroll down you’ll see the news that a totally raw food restaurant has recently opened in Madrid! It’s called Crucina and the photo here is one of its recipes, so I’m sure you’re not going to want to go (!!) but just in case you do, you can read more about it here.

Happy travels!