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

Master artisan Augustín partners with his daughter Belén to continue the ceramic tradition, which stretches back to the medieval days of Moorish Toledo. They chose to locate their studio in El Puente del Arzobispo, a small town with abundant top quality clay, and a very strong artistic temperament. We find it a joy to work with Belén, a bright woman, who is adapting ancient traditions to the modern world.&nbsp; She is now able to produce hand-painted plates to make them dishwasher proof (not a problem in Moorish times!)<a href="/table/ceramics">See our artisan ceramics ►</a>

Belén de la Cal Hidalgo - Ceramic Artist

Our friends Bernát and his son of the same name work together in a modest workshop in a village on the island of Mallorca. They are a vanishing breed of craftsmen who create olive wood bowls, plates, mortars and pestles and other utilitarian objects from whole pieces of olive wood – nothing is laminated or glued together. The search for large pieces of fallen olives trees is a daunting task, but once the olive wood enters their workshop, father and son transform it to a thing of beauty.  Standing next to them amidst the sawdust and the lathes is a magical event.

	<a href="/table/olivewood.html">See our artisan olive wood ►</a>

Bernát Fiol - Olive Wood Carver

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

On Sale! Charcuterie & Cheese - Save on sliced jamón, smoky chorizos aged Manchego & more.

Favorites for Easter - Delight your loved ones with the flavors of Spain this Easter!

New! Tender Spanish Lamb - Succulent, tender lamb–the perfect choice for Easter dinner!

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

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

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Serrano Ham Croquetas by La Croquetina

Artisan Young Manchego Cheese from La Mancha - 12.3 Ounces

Cod and Caramelized Onion Croquetas by Senén (for Oven)

Churros Pastries by Peregrino - Toast and Serve

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Barra Cantábrica - Extra Airy Bread

Mini Tortilla Española Potato Omelets by Peregrino (4 Pieces)

Hot Palacios Chorizo from Spain

Glass Porrón Wine Pitcher

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris demonstrates how to use a Spanish porrón wine pitcher

Spanish Porrón Wine Pitcher Video

Save on Spanish Charcuterie &amp; Cheese! Shop Sale

Charcuterie & Cheese Sale

Favorites for Easter

New! Tender Spanish Lamb

Delicious Paella Made Easy

We're All About Familia

Charcuterie & Cheese Sale

Favorites for Easter

New! Tender Spanish Lamb

Delicious Paella Made Easy

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!