Pantry Staples is a large category comprising over 200 products, divided into nine subcategories - pasta, rice, spices, crisps/crackers/nuts, coffee, teas, wine vinegar, paella and olive oils. Particularly distinctive are the Toro Albalá balsamic vinegars made from Pedro Ximénez sherry, also available in exceptional versions aged 25 and 50 years. The range is completed by Pago Baldios and Celler Kripta vinegars, Muria organic vinaigrette and Sans & Sans teas in silk bags.
How to find your way around this category
Wine vinegar and balsamic vinegars include both everyday and exceptional long-aged products made from Pedro Ximénez sherry. Paella and rice are the basis for preparing the traditional Spanish dish. Spices complete the authentic flavour of Spanish cuisine (saffron, paprika and others). Coffee and teas are suited to refreshment, crisps, crackers and nuts as savoury snacks with wine or tapas.
To prepare paella you will need rice, saffron and other spices from the corresponding subcategories, and for gourmet seasoning of dishes a premium vinegar or olive oil.
Nine subcategories - an overview
Subcategory
What it contains
Pasta
Various types of pasta
Rice
Rice suitable for paella, among other uses
Spices
Traditional Spanish spices
Crisps, crackers and nuts
Savoury snacks
Coffee
Whole bean, ground and other coffee
Teas
Sans & Sans teas in silk bags
Wine vinegar
Classic and premium vinegars
Paella
Everything for preparing traditional paella
Olive oils
Extra virgin and other olive oils
Toro Albalá - a legend among vinegars
Toro Albalá is a renowned Andalusian bodega from Montilla-Moriles, famous for producing balsamic vinegar from Pedro Ximénez sherry. The vinegar ages in oak barrels using the traditional solera system, just like the wine itself, and the range includes versions aged 5, 25 and an exceptional 50 years - the last of these ranks among the most luxurious vinegars you can buy, with a deeply concentrated, syrupy flavour.
Use long-aged Toro Albalá vinegar sparingly - a few drops are enough to season cheese, ice cream or a dessert.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pedro Ximénez balsamic vinegar?
It is a balsamic vinegar made from sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry, ageing in oak barrels using the solera system, with a dense, sweet-and-sour flavour.
Why is the 50-year-old Toro Albalá vinegar so expensive?
Long ageing in oak barrels using the solera system, limited production and an extreme concentration of flavour place this vinegar among the most luxurious vinegars on the market.
What do I need to prepare paella?
Suitable rice (you will find it in the Rice subcategory or directly under Paella), saffron and other spices, and possibly olive oil - you will find everything in the corresponding subcategories.
What are teas in a silk bag?
A premium form of tea packaging from the Sans & Sans brand, where the silk bag allows the leaves to unfurl better and release their full flavour.
How long does an opened olive oil keep?
Store it in a dry, cool place away from direct light and use it within a few months to preserve the best flavour.
The intended use - cooking, seasoning, or a snack. Also: the subcategories will help you narrow down your choice quickly.
What we base this on
On information from the producers Toro Albalá, Pago Baldios and Muria. Also: we verify the specific weight and age of each product on the individual items.
Where the limits are
The range is very broad, over 200 products. Also: use the subcategories to find your way around more quickly.
What this category does not cover
Wines, cured meats or cheeses. Also: you will find those in the Wines and Drinks, Hams and Salami and Cheeses categories.