Americans visitors to Europe can often be awed by the impressive historical heritage nestling in every city, but USA Today reporters recently hitting Spain came back brimming with amazement at the country’s cuisine.

Valencia was hailed as one of the gastronomic gems of the trip, after the eating enthusiasts checked out the best in local specialities from one end of the country to the other.

The self-acclaimed ‘gastro-freaks’ setting out to find what fuelled Iberian appetites were single-minded in their approach: “We didn’t visit any museums or churches. We didn’t stroll around any parks or fountains. We didn’t write one postcard or buy one souvenir. We ate.”

The food samplers said that their Valencian adventure started with amazement at the 30,000 tomato-festival revellers in Bunol, but preferring a sit-down eating experience, the team embarked on a ten-course meal at a Michelin-rated restaurant.

Eating an array of Mediterranean specialities, the tasters claimed of the multiple courses: “Many of them sparkled with brilliant colours like the pumpkin with creamy foie gras, beans and corn.”

Eating well in the region is no surprise, with Valencian paella already a well-known favourite dish for locals and visitors, combining rice, chicken, rabbit and greens, to the delight of those who like their food rich and typically Spanish.