After driving through the bountiful Vera valley dotted with fruit trees and modest farms, Tim and i were greeted heartily by two millers, José María Hernández and his son, Alvaro.  I always appreciate the "down to earth" quality of people whose livelihood is tied to the soil.  Soon Alvaro proudly showed us group pictures of the three generations who  pioneered the production of pimentón de la vera, the famous smoked paprika of Spain.  He identified  each member of their family, one by one! 

	Eva came down from Madrid especially to greet us.  Speaking in flawless English she guided us through their warehouse, which was a virtual working museum of paprika mills dating back to the early twentieth century. The mills were engineering works of art and José María was particularly proud that La Dalia paprika was still  produced using the original granite millstones.  The unique properties of granite assure the amazing fineness of the rich red powder that came from the little smoked peppers the farmer brought from the field. 

	<a href="/food/smoked_paprika.html">See our artisan smoked paprika ►</a>

José María Hernández - Paprika Miller

We first got to know Fermín Rodríguez when he invited us to tour his family olive groves in Priego de Córdoba.  He told us of how, as a child, he would hide in the hollows of the ancient olive trees at the foot of the rolling Vizcántar Hills. Clearly, this is his life and his passion. As a professional taster, and producer of Señorío de Vizcántar Extra Virgin Olive Oil, he introduced us to the complex world of true extra virgin olive oil. A few years ago he married a delightful Berber woman named Aixa and we enjoy visiting their little girl Sofía during our visits. Maybe she will join the olive oil business with her father some day!

	<a href="/food/olive_oil.html">See our artisan extra virgin olive oils ►</a>

Fermín Rodríguez - Olive Oil Taster

In the beautiful Basque fishing village of Ondarroa, the Ortiz family founded Conservas Ortiz in 1891 to produce exceptional canned seafood. Now in its fifth generation, this family owned cannery is famed for its line caught Bonito del Norte tuna. Each tuna is sustainably harvested with hook and pole, and each can is packed by hand, preserving the delicate, tender tuna for you to enjoy. Discover the finest canned tuna in the world.

	<a href="/ortiz/">See our Ortiz seafood ►</a>

The Ortiz Family - Canned Seafood Maker

Our friend Jaime Borrás is an enthusiastic owner of Catunambú, a coffee roasting company in Sevilla. He is an energetic man whom we first met in the nearby Parador in Carmona, where he regaled us with an immense amount of information about his favorite topic: coffee. A few days later, we met Jaime among piles of cloth and burlap bags of coffee beans in the warehouse of Catunambú, a famous old firm from Sevilla, founded in 1897. It was an amazing experience to stroll around the warehouse with Jaime - the aroma was unbelievable. We saw bags from up to 20 different countries, all ingredients in a bold yet smooth blend that is the signature flavor of Catunambú - the coffee of Andalucía!<a href="/food/pantry-staples/beverages">See our Spanish coffees ►</a>

Jaime Borrás - Coffee Roaster

Three Kings Sale - Up to 40% off 100 Spanish favorites through 1/6!

New Year's Favorites - Ring in the new year with gourmet treats from Spain!

Classic Spanish Holiday Sweets - Celebrate Three Kings Day like they do in Spain!

Three Kings Sale ►

Classic Churro Mix

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Palacios 'Oreados' Mini Chorizos

Tortilla Española Potato Omelet by Peregrino

XL Cola Cao Chocolate Drink Mix Collectors Tin - 100 Servings

Alfajor de Medina Almond Cake by Aromas de Medina

Garrotxa Goat's Milk Cheese by Muntanyola - 10.5 Ounces

Patatas Bravas Potatoes with Spicy Sauce by Peregrino

Sweet Tortas de Aceite Crisps by Ines Rosales

Learn how Ines Rosales tortas de aceite are made.

Ines Rosales Video

Gift Box of Three Manchego Cheeses by Dehesa de Los Llanos

Barcelona Turrón Candy Gift Box by Vicens

Turrón Tasting Gift Set by Vicens - 7 Mini Bars

Marcona Almonds with Sea Salt by Peregrino

Three Kings Sale - Up to 40% Off! Shop Sale

Three Kings Sale

New Year's Favorites

Three Kings Sale

Spanish Holiday Sweets

Three Kings Sale

New Year's Favorites

Three Kings Sale

Spanish Holiday Sweets

Three Kings Sale ►

Welcome to La Tienda!

Meet Our Artisans

Learn More About La Tienda

Try Our Best Paella

Get Free Paella Recipe eBook!

Try Our Best Paella

Get Free Paella Recipe eBook!