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

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

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

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

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

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 spring!

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

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Hot Palacios Chorizo from Spain

Galician Bread - Barra Española

Galician Bread Video

Mini Cooking Chorizo Links by Peregrino

Anchovy Stuffed Olives by Peregrino - 'Extra' Quality

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Butifarra Sausage with Ibérico Pork

Artisan Young Manchego Cheese from La Mancha - 12.3 Ounces

Mild Palacios Chorizo from Spain

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris demonstrates serving Palacios Spanish chorizo

Serving Spanish Chorizo by Palacios Video

Tortilla Española Potato Omelet with Onions by Peregrino

Free Rabitos with $49 Orders! Promo Code: BONBON

Free Rabitos Bonbons with $49 Orders

New! Tender Spanish Lamb

Delicious Paella Made Easy

It's Grilling Season

We're All About Familia

Free Rabitos Bonbons with $49 Orders

New! Tender Spanish Lamb

Delicious Paella Made Easy

It's Grilling Season

We're All About Familia

Best Sellers ►

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Learn More About La Tienda

Try Our Best Paella

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Try Our Best Paella

Get Free Paella Recipe eBook!