 With roots in the cultures of Spain, Asia, Mexico, and the eastern United States, California integrates foods, languages and traditions from all over the world.Spain had explored the present state of California since the 16th century, although it did not colonize it and exert its cultural influence in earnest until the 18th century.By the 19th century, Spain had built missions throughout all the state and California owned huge land extensions (called "ranchos").