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.&nbsp; I always appreciate the "down to earth" quality of people whose livelihood is tied to the soil.&nbsp; Soon Alvaro proudly showed us group pictures of the three generations who&nbsp; pioneered the production of pimentón de la vera, the famous smoked paprika of Spain.&nbsp; He identified&nbsp; each member of their family, one by one!&nbsp;Eva came down from Madrid especially to greet us.&nbsp; 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&nbsp;produced using the original granite millstones.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;<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

Gift Ideas for Father's Day - Share the spirit of Spain with dad this Father's Day!

Send an eGift Card! Give your dad the gift of artisan Spain anytime with an eGift card.

Delicious Paella Made Easy - Find all the ingredients and gear you need for a next-level paella.

It's Grilling Season - Cook out with the delicious flavors of Spain this summer!

We're All About Familia - Our family-run company supports Spains's amazing artisans.

Best Sellers ►

Hot Palacios Chorizo from Spain

Galician Bread - Barra Española

Galician Bread Video

Tortilla Española Potato Omelet with Onions by Peregrino

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Sardinillas by Conservas de Cambados - Small Sardines

Sliced Ibérico Ham by Peregrino, Nitrate Free - 2 oz

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris demonstrates
La Tienda's Jonathan Harris explains the difference between Jamón Serrano, Ibérico and Bellota

Gift Ideas for Father's Day

Send an eGift Card!

Delicious Paella Made Easy

It's Grilling Season

We're All About Familia

Gift Ideas for Father's Day

Send an eGift Card!

Delicious Paella Made Easy

It's Grilling Season

We're All About Familia

Best Sellers ►

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!