We have always been passionate about sourcing the most authentic food products from the Mediterranean and Europe. Our favorite items, whether they are pungent cheeses or delicate pastries, all possess a long history and unique heritage.

Today, join us as we learn more about the wonderful Olive oil Tortas from Ines Rosales, a specialty bakery based near Sevilla, in Spain. You’ve seen them in our catalogs, and may have them on your store’s shelves: impossibly light, crispy and flaky round crackers, wrapped in delicately folded wax paper.

 

History

Ines Rosales started baking and selling her namesake tortas in 1910, offering them to travelers passing through the train station of Seville. They soon grew in popularity, and our budding entrepreneur rented out the ovens of the town bakery, and hired local widowed women to help her prepare and sell the hand-shaped specialties.

Today, the tortas are available throughout all of Spain … and the world, with the United States being a major market. Throughout 110 years of existence, Ines Rosales modernized their facilities and operations, while remaining true to their roots: making delicious tortas with wholesome ingredients, and hand-shaping, and wrapping, each one by hand.

The Preparation

The tortas begin with a simple dough made with simple ingredients:  wheat flour, extra virgin olive oil, sugar, yeast, sea salt, and spices and flavorings such as candied orange peel or anise seeds. The extra virgin olive oil is produced locally, for the freshest, most authentic flavor, and makes up 25% of the dough, lending it a wonderful aroma, and light flaky texture. The dough is then mixed, and portioned out in small balls … This is where the automation stops, to be replaced by the deft hands of hundreds of labradoras. 

 

https://youtu.be/qZJHMkwcZHI

The skilled Ines Rosales workers take a bit of sugar in their hands, and hand-shape the torta with rapid slapping motions. The result is the characteristic circular, slightly irregular shape of the tortas.

During their short baking time, these irregularities will bubble up and brown in all of their glory, to form an artisanal, multi-textured cracker. The original tortas are available in four flavors – Anise (the original recipe), Orange (fantastic for breakfast, spread with mascarpone), Sweet Cinammon, Rosemary & Thyme, and Sesame Sea Salt. Mini Tortas are also available in Original Anise, and flavored with Manchego Cheese.

Selling Tortas: Our Recommendations

• Merchandise near your specialty cheese & meats – and why not pair them with other Spanish specialties, such as a salchichon, chorizo, or Manchego?
• Educate your customers about what makes these so special. How about posting their shaping video on your social media pages, or putting up a shelf talker near the crackers (we’ll design, print and laminate it for you!)
• Include them in themed to-go picnic baskets, and cheese & charcuterie boards. Once your shoppers try them, they will be hooked!