Q & A with Sara Cano Lorente of El Conchel Original Food S.A.

El Conchel is a renowned Spanish meat producer located in the picturesque town of El Ballestero, Spain. With a dedication to traditional methods and a commitment to quality, they have earned a reputation for crafting some of the finest Spanish cured meats available. El Conchel's products reflect the rich culinary heritage of the region, offering a delectable range of cured meats and sausages that capture the essence of Spanish gastronomy. Their artisanal approach and use of locally sourced ingredients make them a standout choice for those seeking authentic, flavorful Spanish meats.

Table spread with Spanish cured meats, almonds, olives and breadstciks. — Image source: El Conchel.

Q. What is your passion? Tell us about it.

A. We put our efforts on making you live unique moments around the table, so you can enjoy the authentic flavour and the happiness of sharing.

Q. What inspired you to pursue this passion? Tell us the story.

A. In 1908, our Grandmother Sara was born, and with her, our story begins. The rural Spain of that moment used the imagination to survive the long winters and the annual slaughter was a tradition celebrated every Autumn. From this custom, elaboration that allowed to preserve the meat during the rest of the year, were born. In that way, is how our first recipes were born, same recipes that have been transmitted generation after generation. Nowadays, in El Conchel, we are the fourth generation, and we maintain our loyalty to the most authentic flavour, the tradition and the essence of our origins.

Q. What makes your creation unique?

A. El Ballestero, out [origin], our home. El Ballestero is the place that saw us born and where we wanted to grow. We are proud of our origins, of our charcuterie and we are conscious of our responsibility in the legacy of tradition. For that reason, we maintain the know-how and we put in every product of El Conchel, a little bit of our hometown and its people souls.

Q. Tell us about your creative process.

A. We pay tribute to tradition We inherited the know-how and preserve the authentic flavour. The respectful combination of tradition and innovation is our seal of identity. We take care of our essence We give our best in every product, and we do so with the respect that our village wisdom deserves. From its streets, we transmit our characteristic essence to the rest of the world.

Q. Who is your audience? How do you engage them?

A. We desire that our products and their authentic flavor reach everyone. We look forward for the tastes of our land to travel to the tables of those who appreciate the quality and the most deeply-rooted traditional flavors.

Q. What experience does your passion create? What can recipients expect?

A. Our land and our people have served as an inspiration for our recipes The air coming from our mountains, the freezing cold of our winters and the intense heat of our summers, bring character and the unique flavor to our products.