A Visit to Conservas Rosara: Gourmet Preserves from Navarra

Our Visit to Rosara: Fire, Flavor, and Tradition in Navarra

During our recent trip through northern Spain, we had the opportunity to visit Rosara, one of the most respected gourmet food producers in the country and a beloved brand of chef José Andrés. Located in the heart of La Ribera Navarra, in the fertile lands along the Ebro River, Rosara has been crafting artisan conservas since 1986. From fire-roasted piquillo peppers to hand-prepared seafood fillings, everything is made with love, skill, and 100% natural ingredients.

We were guided by Ander Orduña, Rosara’s Commercial Director, who took us behind the scenes of their kitchen and production areas, where the air smelled like pure flavor.

It’s Artichoke Season: A Tribute to Navarra’s Queen of the Garden

We arrived during peak artichoke season—and what a sight! Rosara’s artichokes are peeled and cooked entirely by hand, a rare commitment in today’s industrialized food world. Every leaf is trimmed with precision, and the hearts are cooked slowly to maintain their tender texture and delicate flavor.

Watching the process was mesmerizing. We invite you to watch our video for a glimpse into this beautiful, time-honored craft. It’s the kind of food preparation that feels like watching your grandmother cook—but on a bigger scale.

Homemade Seafood Filling—Just Like at Home (But in Giant Pots!)

One of the most surprising discoveries of the visit was how Rosara prepares its seafood stuffing for dishes like piquillo peppers and artichokes. The recipe is the same as if you were making it at home: local shrimp, hake, onions, olive oil, garlic… all cooked slowly and with care.

"We don’t use powders or shortcuts," Ander told us. "Just bigger pots and more hands." And let us tell you—the smell in the kitchen was heavenly. We wish we could share it with you through this post!

Piquillo Peppers DOP Lodosa: Fire-Roasted to Perfection

Rosara’s piquillo peppers DOP Lodosa are one of their crown jewels. We watched as the peppers passed through a traditional wood-fired oven. Flames rise through a tunnel, gently toasting the peppers as they move along a conveyor belt. Timing is everything—the journey through the fire is calibrated to give them the perfect roast.

Once out of the oven, they fall onto a tray and are peeled entirely by hand—without using water. This meticulous process preserves their smoky flavor, vibrant color, and tender texture. Truly a gourmet delicacy.

Why We Love Rosara (and Why You Will Too)

At Ibérico Taste, we proudly carry a curated selection of Rosara's gourmet Spanish products. Their commitment to artisan methods, seasonal produce, and honest flavor is something we believe in deeply. Visiting their facility gave us even more appreciation for the quality behind every tin and jar.