“What is Paella?” A frequent question we hear around us in Texas. Paella is one of the most famous international dishes around the world. According to many sources, the home of paella is Valencia in eastern Spain. This comes to be known, since Valencia is one of the biggest natural ports and one of the most important producers of rice in the area; the most important ingredient of paella. 

The history of paella is quite humble, it was known as the farmer’s and worker’s food. They would gather around a wood fire at lunch time and would add rice (its main ingredient) which for them was found in their surrounding rice lands, and would also add anything else they had around such as onions, snails, and tomatoes. As the paella company states, “Rabbit or duck might also have been added, and for special occasions, chicken plus a touch of saffron for an extra special color and flavor. Paella was also traditionally eaten straight from the pan in which it was cooked with each person using their own wooden spoon.”

This dish is still unique in Spain. It is mostly made over weekends or while hosting different celebrations. It brings family and friends together and this is why Los Olivos Markets, prides itself in bringing such authentic products to any American's table. 

This year, our Los Olivos Markets team won first place in the 2022 Paella Challenge in San Antonio. Our Vice President of Operations, John Herdman, led the team to victory with his creation of a modern Spanish Paella. His creation was unique and super innovative while at the same time celebrating the essence and flavors of Spain. It included an empanada made of bomba rice flour and squid ink filled with a scallop, shrimp, and chorizo mousse. Additionally, he topped the paella with a potato galette and an egg foam representing his interpretation of a tortilla de patata. Words can not describe how good this was; creative, different, authentic, and delicious. 

Paella and its ingredients are an essential part of Los Olivos Market. That’s why we carry only the most authentic, traditional, and delicious products from Spain to make the most authentic Paella at home. Each product is personally sourced and selected by our family in Madrid and then imported by our sister company, Alta Gama Foods. We take pride in offering our customers the best selection of Spanish goods. 

Want to find out why we love paella? Order our Paella Kit which includes our own family recipe or order any of our authentic ingredients imported directly from Spain to make your own paella such as our Personal Paella Pan, Bomba Rice, Saffron, Paprika, Piquillo Peppers, and our Cosecha Temprana Olive Oil.