Castilla La Mancha is known for its lamb, the vast plains of Castilla la Mancha have been home to vast herds of sheep for centuries. Cheese made from sheep's milk has been produced in the region for hundreds of years and Spain's most famous cheese Manchego comes from this region. Castilla la Mancha is Spain's largest producer of saffron, garlic and marzipan and is the second largest supplier of olive oil.
The region's traditional food was based around simple stews and casseroles made in earthenware bowls and many of today's recipes have been handed down through the generations. Los Gazpachos is a famous stew of the area and can be made using whatever meat ingredients are available and might include chicken, pigeon, beef , pork or lamb. The sauce made from onions stock and peppers is thickened with chunks of bread. This is real peasant food, hearty and sustaining.
Castilla La Mancha Cheese
Spain's most famous cheese Manchego is produced exclusively in Castilla la Mancha and is a considerable part of the region's economy. Manchego is made from sheep's milk and is left to age for at least two months. The ageing process allows the flavour to develop. Manchego can be made from just one breed of sheep or can be a mixture of two different breeds, resulting in subtle differences to the end product. Manchego goes particularly well with red Rioja wine and a slice of Iberico cured ham. Manchego is exported worldwide and can be found in some U.S supermarkets. Specialist food importers offer a much wider range of Manchego, supplying a variety of cheeses from artisan producers as well as the mainstream. We have listed a large selection of Machego's from some of the largest U.S importers below.
Buy Manchego In The U.S Online
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Spain is a prolific cheese producer, Spanish supermarkets offer a huge array of cheeses from across Spain. The majority of Spanish cheese comes from the lush northern regions of Asturias, Galicia Cantabria and the Basque Country but most regions have their own varieties. Spain's most famous cheese Manchego is made from sheep's milk in the region of Castilla La Mancha. Up until recently it was difficult to find a Spanish cheese supplier in the U.S but today there are a number of online food importers who stock an excellent variety of Spanish cheese.
Castilla La Mancha Wine
Although a prolific wine producer (half of Spain's wines come from this region) the area's wines went almost unnoticed until approx ten years ago when new production methods gave rise to a more palatable drink. The main grape varieties used are Tempranillo and Áiren. The latter produces white wines and is not a particularly popular variety amongst wine makers. Tempranillo on the other hand is well known for the quality of the wine that can be achieved and when blended with other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot the outcome can be some very acceptable wines. At the moment, wine from this region is relatively cheap when compared with the likes of Rioja but an increase in popularity will more than likely result in price increases in coming years. In 2005 the government spent 7 million euros in a bid promote the region's wines. Some of the best wines of the region come from the area around Valdepeñas. A particularly nice wine from the area is VIÑA ALBALI which is available in red and white. The white is crisp and not unlike some of the more famous Italian whites like Soave and Frascatti but a fraction of the cost. Here in Spain, these wines are flying off the supermarket shelves which isn't surprising as they cost less than €2 a bottle.
Buy Spanish Ham Online In The U.S
Spain is renowned for the quality of the air cured ham it produces. Up until recently, it was almost impossible to buy authentic Spanish ham in the U.S but thanks to the internet, there are now a number of speciality food importers supplying a large variety of Spanish food to the U.S market. Opposite, we have listed a range of Spanish hams from the Amazon pages of two of the largest suppliers, La Tienda and Igourmet. For a fantastic taste experience, try some slices of Iberico ham with some Manchego cheese and a glass of red Rioja wine.
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Buy Spanish Cheese Online In The U.S
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Spain is a prolific cheese producer, Spanish supermarkets offer a huge array of cheeses from across Spain. The majority of Spanish cheese comes from the lush northern regions of Asturias, Galicia Cantabria and the Basque Country but the majority of regions have their own varieties. Manchego, Spain's most famous cheese is made from sheep's milk in the region of Castilla La Mancha. Up until recently it was difficult to find a Spanish cheese supplier in the U.S but today there are a number of online food importers who stock an excellent variety of cheese from all over Spain.
Buy Spanish Tapas Online In The U.S
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Tapas bars have sprung up all over the world and Catalonia, especially in cities like Barcelona have some of the best tapas bars in the whole of Spain. Spanish food importers are catering for the upsurge in the popularity of tapas and have a variety of ingredients and other products for anybody wanting to re create the tapas experience at home. We have listed a selection of tapas kits and speciality products from some of the internet's top importers here.
Buy Spanish Gift Baskets Online In The U.S
If you have any aspiring gourmands in the family, a Spanish food basket would make the ideal gift. There are a number of specialist Spanish food importers supplying a variety of gift baskets with products ranging from air cured ham to rare cheeses, herbs, spices and Spanish wines. These hard to find ingredients are perfect for creating a taste of Spain at home. We have listed a nice selection from two of the largest suppliers, La Tienda and Igourmet. Click photos for full details.
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Buying Spanish Food Online In The UK
If you live in the U.K, you can buy a large range of authentic Spanish food from Iber Gourmet. Iber Gourmet stock some excellent Spanish cheeses, hams and a variety of products you're unlikely to find in the supermarket, all with delivery straight to your door. To see what's available Click Here
