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

One recent Easter week, we visited the Villajos family in the tiny village of Porzuna deep in the meseta of La Mancha, where Antonio creates one of Spain's finest Manchego cheeses.&nbsp; When we visited last, Antonio's son was just finishing high school, and his daughter was working at one of the desks in their modest office. He took us for a brief tour of his cheese making operation, and we learned that Antonio knows each of the local shepherds, so that the fresh sheep's milk often arrives at the dairy only 15 minutes after it is milked! It is hard to describe the warmth and hospitality extended by Antonio and his wife. We have never tasted a Manchego cheese that compares to the ones he and his cheese master Bernardo produce.<a href="https://www.tienda.com/artisan-cheese/cheese-sheep">See our artisan cheeses ►</a>

Antonio Villajos - Cheesemaker

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

Free Gourmet Bonito Del Norte Tuna with $75 Orders, while supplies last! Use Promo Code: TUNA

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Light & Flavorful Conservas - Enjoy healthy, simply prepared tinned seafood from Spain!

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Butifarra Sausage with Ibérico Pork

Rabitos Royale Dark Chocolate Fig Bonbons (15 Pieces)

Bomba Paella Rice by Peregrino

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris discusses the qualities of paella rice from Calasparra Spain

Paella Rice from Calasparra, Spain Video

Señorío de Vizcántar Special Selection Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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

Mini Tortilla Española Potato Omelets by Peregrino (4 Pieces)

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Gazpacho Andaluz with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Mini Cooking Chorizo Links by Peregrino

Free Tuna with $75 Orders! Promo Code: TUNA

Free Tuna with $75 Orders

Save on Spanish Favorites

Healthy Foods from Spain

Light & Flavorful Conservas

We're All About Familia

Free Tuna with $75 Orders

Save on Spanish Favorites

Healthy Foods from Spain

Light & Flavorful Conservas

We're All About Familia

Best Sellers ►

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Try Our Best Paella

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Try Our Best Paella

Get Free Paella Recipe eBook!