A Taste of Castilla y León

Earthy toffee sweetness of acorns. Savoury undertone. Hints of fruitiness. Lingering intensity. The Brindisa bellota ham is made from pigs of 75% iberico breed that have fattened up on acorns on the dehesa of Extremadura for 10-12 weeks at the end of their lives. The hams are then expertly cured in Guijuelo, Salamanca for between 30 and 36 months The ham has a sweet and nutty aroma with an excellent balance between the savoury and nutty elements and a long, complex finish.  The ham in this pack has been hand-carved by a master carver. 

Earthy toffee sweetness of acorns. Savoury undertone. Hints of fruitiness. Lingering intensity. The Brindisa bellota ham is made from pigs of 75% Iberico breed that have fattened up on acorns on the dehesa of Extremadure for 10-12 weeks at the end of their lives. The hams are then expertly cured in Guijuelo, Salamanca for between 30 and 36 months. The ham has a sweet and nutty aroma with an excellent balance between the savoury and nutty elements and a long, complex finish. The ham in this pack has been hand-carved by a master carver.

This sliced salchichon is made from the meat of iberico pigs that spent 10-12 weeks fattening on acorns on the dehesa of Extremadura. This salchichon (equivalent to an Italian salami) is simply seasoned with salt and black pepper, allowing the rich flavours of the acorn fed pork to come clearly through. This product has been awarded with 1 star in the Great Taste Awards 2016. The judges' comments were: "Lovely fatty sheen to the meat. Sweet aromas with a slight pepperiness. The sausage has a good mild porky flavour with sweetness from the fat. Pepper seasoning is well observed."

Both sweet and smoky. Melting texture. 100% natural. Pure indulgence for chorizo lovers. This sliced chorizo is made from the meat of iberico pigs that spent 10-12 weeks fattening on acorns on the dehesa of Extremadura. This sausage is simply seasoned with salt, garlic and mild, smoked pimenton de la Vera, creating a perfect balance between the smokiness of the spice and the rich flavours of the acorn-fed pork.

Clean, porky aromas. Balanced sweetness and salt.  Cured for a minimum of 12 months, this ham has developed a full and complex flavour and a firm, dense texture.

This cooking chorizo has the characteristic touch of the region of Astorga, in Castilla y León. The vibrant colour and aromas of the paprika are not overshadowed by the spices. This cooking chorizo has a pleasant warmth, a savoury taste and a lasting finish. Approximate weight 750g-800g Ideal for simmering in water, wine or cider. A perfect companion to beans and pulses: serve on a bed of lentils and winter vegetables, a summer lentil salad, or, once grilled, add a few slices to a bean and vegetable stew. Great with our heirloom Faba beans. 

Cecina is a traditional product that has been made in the north of Castile and Leon for many hundreds of years. The best is reckoned to come from Astorga, where the quality of the cattle, high altitude and cold, dry winters provide the perfect conditions for its production.  Rich, and deep flavoured with a hint of iron and a distinct flavour from the natural smoking process. This product has been awarded with 1 star in the Great Taste Awards 2024. The judges' comments were: "Deep, rich, attractive colour on these very lean thin slices. Very subtle smoky overtone on rich, sweet tasting beef which is so tender it melts on the tongue. A good moisture level, rich and with complex flavours from the natural smoking, the iron comes through well."

Spanish dry riñón beans packed in a cloth sack. Similar to a cannellini bean, these medium sized, white kidney beans have a dense texture which is well suited to use with full flavoured ingredients. Use this beans to prepare pan fried white beans with black pudding and swiss chard. If looking for a cold dish, go for a beans and salt cod salad.

Dry butter beans packed in a cloth sack. Large, highly absorbent white beans with a thin skin and a soft, melting texture. They are highly versatile, and are excellent in both hot and cold dishes. Use these Judion beans to prepare a crab and butter beans stew. If looking for a cold dish, go for a charred octopus, piquillo peppers and butter bean salad. Find out some cooking tips and tricks from Monika here

Spanish dry Lechoso chickpeas packed in a cloth sack. These large chickpeas are called lechoso for their creamy texture and slightly milky taste. A versatile and tasty pulse. Use these chickpeas to prepare a chorizo, chickpea and romesco eggs stew or a Mountain Stew. If looking for a cold dish, go for a saffron hummus. Find out some cooking tips and tricks from Monika here

Spanish dry Pardina lentils packed in a cloth sack. A small, firm brownish-green lentil, similar to the Puy variety, which holds its shape well when cooked. A versatile pulse that is excellent both hot and cold. Use these lentils to prepare stews with your favourite protein, from iberico meat to octopus or cod. Octopus and lentil salad recipe by Giovanna Ryan. If looking for a cold dish, go for a lentil salad with piquillo peppers and anchovies or any other accompaniments. Find out some cooking tips and tricks from Monika here