American cuisine has been influenced by a variety of cultures, many of them from Europe, with settlers from nations such as England, Ireland, Germany and Spain all making the journey across the Atlantic.

Wherever you stay in a property in the USA, you will find plenty of excellent restaurants where you can try local recipes or something from further afield.

But if you head to Florida, you will find that the northern and southern regions of the state each incorporate distinct influences into their cooking.

What can I expect from food in Florida?

If your property in Florida is in the north of the state, you are bound to notice the Cajun, Creole and southern US flavours that are included in the dishes prepared here.

One of the signature cooking methods of the southern regions of the USA is the barbeque, which is where a low heat and smoke are used to cook and flavour the meat slowly.

Pork, beef and chicken all feature in this kind of cuisine and the Life in the USA guide noted that "the southern cook is willing to make up for the simplicity of inexpensive ingredients by doing careful, labour-intensive preparation and patient, loving cooking".

Meanwhile, if your property in Florida is further south, you are likely to notice influences from the Caribbean, Cuba and South America in the food.

Dishes from Cuba such as arroz con pollo (rice with chicken) and the cubano – a type of sandwich filled with roast pork, ham, salami, cheese and a pickle – are both found on menus around the area, Life in the USA reveals.

And the flavours of the Caribbean are present too, with meals such as spicy Jamaican jerk chicken or arepa – a Venezuelan corn cake – readily available, according to the guide.

Local produce to look out for on a stay in property in Florida

Due to its warm climate, Florida is a haven for farmers and a vast array of fruits and vegetables are produced in the region.

Citrus fruits – predominantly oranges – are one of the main crops; while mango, papaya, coconut and avocado are just a few of the other fruits that are grown in the state.

Meanwhile, its location on the coast means that seafood features highly in many Floridians’ diets, with various fish and shellfish caught fresh every day before being sold at local markets or served up in restaurants.

And if you are feeling adventurous when it comes to your food, you may even be able to try alligator!

Eat out in Miami for a mixture of flavours

As one of Florida’s most vibrant cities, you are guaranteed to find some exotic and exciting cuisine on offer in the restaurants of Miami.

For fans of seafood, a trip to one of the oldest establishments in Miami Beach is a must. Head to Joe’s Stone Crab restaurant – which has been open since 1913 – for an authentic Floridian meal of stone crab claws.

These crustaceans are farmed only for their claws; however, they are not killed but simply have their claws removed as they will grow a new pair within around 18 months.

You will also find a wide selection of locally-caught seafood on the menu here, including lobster, swordfish, sea bass and oysters.

Another establishment you may want to book reservations for during your stay in property in Florida is Emeril’s Miami Beach.

It was set up by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse and serves dishes with a distinctly southern flavour. Seafood and meat are both on the menu, all presented with a range of seasonal, fresh vegetables.

And if you want to try alligator, why not visit the Urbanite Bistro on NE 14th Street? As well as the unusual meat, you will find more standard fare and the restaurant also boasts a drinks menu featuring a selection of 25 craft beers, more than 30 wines and various cocktails.

Of course, there are numerous cafes, bars and restaurants dotted all over Miami, so regardless of your budget or your particular tastes, you are bound to find somewhere to enjoy a bite to eat before heading home to your Florida property.