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

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

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 Paella Rice with $99 Orders - Paella season is here! Celebrate with free Calasparra paella rice through 5/20. Use Promo Code: ARROZ

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

Share the Joy of Tapas - Shop the best ingredients for a tempting tapas spread.

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

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

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Anchovy Stuffed Olives by Peregrino - 'Extra' Quality

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Butifarra Sausage with Ibérico Pork

Grilling Sampler of Spanish Sausages (2.25 Pounds)

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

Señorío de Vizcántar Special Selection Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Hot Palacios Chorizo from Spain

Mini Cooking Chorizo Links by Peregrino

Free Paella Rice with $99 Orders! Promo Code: ARROZ

Free Paella Rice with $99 Orders

Memorial Day Grillings

Share the Joy of Tapas

Light & Flavorful Conservas

We're All About Familia

Free Paella Rice with $99 Orders

Memorial Day Grillings

Share the Joy of Tapas

Light & Flavorful Conservas

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!