Our friend Pepe Ruíz provides our Calasparra paella rice, and we always enjoy visiting the tiny town of Calasparra to visit with him.&nbsp; The rice grown in fresh water, high in the mountains along the Mundo and Segura rivers.&nbsp; Why grow rice in the mountains?&nbsp; One story is that centuries ago malaria affected the low lands near Valencia, and as an accident of history, they blamed the disease on the location of the rice fields. When they moved the rice crop to the mountains of Calasparra, the mosquitoes were left behind.&nbsp; In the new climate the grains of rice took longer to mature, and so are able to absorb an amazing amount of rich broth – the secret of good paella!&nbsp; Calasparra rice is the only DOP protected rice growing region in Spain, and it is still artisan grown with no insecticides or herbicides.<a href="/food/rice-and-pasta">See our artisan paella rice ►</a>

Pepe Ruíz - Rice Farmer

We drove into the driveway of Alfonso’s dairy which was guarded by a great old dog with the wisdom of the ages. Alfonso’s children were playing among the furrows of the farm, and in the background we could see the sheepfold full of ewes who produced the milk for the beautifully handcrafted cheese that Alfonso produces. Among the most interesting were cheeses which had been blended with red wine, others with rosemary. When we met his mother at her home, which served as a small cheese store, she proudly showed us a room full of trophies – it seemed that Alfonso was a champion long-distance runner!<a href="/artisan-cheese/all-cheese">See our artisan cheeses ►</a>

Alfonso Alvarez - Cheesemaker

At the top of a mountain in western Spain sits the magical medieval village of La Alberca, located in the heart of the Sierra de Francia National Park. It just so happens that this is the perfect place to dry and age jamón, and in 1956, Fermín Martín founded Jamones y Embutidos Fermín to produce artisan Ibérico hams and sausages.

Today Martín’s children, Santiago and Francisca, run the company following the same artisan, all natural methods as their father. With over 100 employees, Fermín is the lifeblood of this small village. In 2007, Fermín was the first Ibérico ham maker allowed in the U.S., and La Tienda was proud to sell their very first Jamón Ibérico in America.

	<a href="/fermin/">See our Fermín meats ►</a>

Santiago Martín - Jamones Fermín Owner

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

Spring Sale - Up to 30% off 50+ favorites from Spain!

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Gift Ideas for Mother's Day - Send mom a unique & delicious gift from Spain!

New! Tender Spanish Lamb - Succulent, tender lamb–the perfect choice for spring dinners!

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

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Gazpacho Andaluz with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Cod and Caramelized Onion Croquetas by Senén (for Oven)

Cinco Jotas Sliced 100% Ibérico de Bellota Shoulder - 3 oz

Barra Cantábrica - Extra Airy Bread

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Artisan Young Manchego Cheese from La Mancha - 12.3 Ounces

Rabitos Royale Dark Chocolate Fig Bonbons (15 Pieces)

Mild Palacios Chorizo from Spain

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris demonstrates serving Palacios Spanish chorizo

Serving Spanish Chorizo by Palacios Video

Serrano Ham Croquetas by La Croquetina

Free Rabitos with $49 Orders! Promo Code: BONBON

Spring Sale

Free Rabitos Bonbons with $49 Orders

Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

New! Tender Spanish Lamb

We're All About Familia

Spring Sale

Free Rabitos Bonbons with $49 Orders

Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

New! Tender Spanish Lamb

We're All About Familia

Best Sellers ►

Welcome to La Tienda!

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Learn More About La Tienda

Try Our Best Paella

Get Free Paella Recipe eBook!

Try Our Best Paella

Get Free Paella Recipe eBook!