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Really into Comida
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Central Market has sourced a diverse collection of top-rated Hispanic-owned brands and products from around the world for its annual “Really Into Comida” food and heritage event. These items will be showcased at all Central Market locations throughout Hispanic Heritage Month.
Central Market’s offerings include everything from Hispanic-owned wines and cheeses, to gourmet chorizos, salsas and more.
New and noteworthy this year (dozens more in store):
Photo courtesy of Central Market
Chorizo de San Manuel: Since 1975 the Flores family has produced its famous pork chorizo in the Rio Grande Valley. Still family owned and run by Luis Flores III in Edinburg, Texas. Find multiple varieties including pork chorizo, beef chorizo and chicken chorizo.
Spanish tenderized octopus: Sourced from Spain and tumble tenderized in the U.S. using purified salt water. This delicacy has been featured by world-renowned chefs, including the hit TV series “Chopped.” Chefs recommend boiling for 15 minutes, shut off heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Season with olive oil, sea salt, parsley and grill for five minutes on each side.
Real Conservera Española: Gourmet canned seafood sourced from the Galician estuaries near Spain these include sea urchin, squid and cockles.
The Casa Market: Guava paste sold with and without pecans. The guava paste is sourced from authentic guava from Aguascalientes through a careful process to give perfect balance between consistency, flavor and aroma. Great paired with cheese.
La Newyorkina: Woman-owned paleta and ice cream brand produced in New York City. She got her start selling her products at a local New York market. Everything is handmade from scratch in small batches using only the best ingredients like Mexican vanilla and Oaxacan chocolate. This is a Central Market exclusive.
John & The Fruits: Started in 2017 by the Tinajero brothers, these paletas sold in four packs are produced with 100% natural fruits with water, milk– or yogurt-based flavors, which are naturally sweetened. This is a Central Market exclusive.
Monte Xanic Sauvignon Blanc, Vina Kristel 2021: Produced by Mexico’s first boutique winery, this special wine from the old estate grapes is harvested by hand from the single vineyard named Kristel. These vines average 50 years in age and deliver the most flavorful grapes of the Valle de Guadalupe terrior. Expressive notes of zesty citrus fruits such as grapefruit, key lime and Meyer lemon, complemented by fresh tropical fruit notes such as guava, melon and passionfruit. Ideal for seafood, fresh salads, grilled chicken, seafood and oysters. Also, enjoy it on its own as an aperitif.
Monte Xanic Rosé, Edicion Limitada 2021: One of the top wines for this Boutique winery. A limited edition made with the intention of honoring the Provence style of rosé wines, focused on minerality, freshness and elegance. Produced from the best Grenache grapes grown in the higher elevation and colder temperatures of Ojos Negros Valley in Baja, California. Bright, refreshing acidity with notes of ripe strawberries, blood oranges and grapefruit with hints of fresh herbs. A long and inviting finish. Pairs well with spicy foods, tuna, salmon, Mexican dishes, Asian cuisine and sushi. Excellent with fried foods and creamy, soft cheeses. Very versatile.
Don Juan Manchego Artensano 4M0: Raw sheep’s milk cheese made under the strictest conditions in southern Spain. Aged in modern “caves” that replicate the natural cycles of weather – temperature, humidity and air quality. Oak barrel and greenhouse herbs like lavender and thyme infuse the aging atmosphere.
Charlito’s Cocina Chorizo Seco (dry cured): An old-time classic made with heritage breed, pasture-raised pork, seasoned with a beautiful sea salt, mild paprika and garlic. The chorizo is dry cured for up to three months and is not heated or smoked. It is subtle and earthy – just powerful enough without overpowering. Serve it with greens, a nice baguette or simply on its own.
Polvorones de Canela: Also known as Hojarascas (Mexican wedding cookies), these bakery items are very buttery, shortbread like cookies with with crushed toasted pecans and spiced with cinnamon and rolled in powdered sugar.
Pastel de Elote: A very buttery, rich sweet corn bread made with condensed milk and white corn. Eaten as a dessert and usually served with vanilla ice cream or Cajeta.
Telera: French bread-style product with a thin crust with two typical indentations made with a wooden dowel. The perfect bread to create and authentic Torta sandwich.
Photo courtesy of Central Market
Central Market is also celebrating the flavors of Hispanic Heritage Month in our Virtual Cooking School Series. Customers will learn how to make delicious meals while learning new techniques and hearing stories from our experts in Hispanic cuisine. Classes are offered with cooking kits for pickup or virtual-only tickets with a shopping list sent prior to class for those who choose to shop for themselves.
This year’s featured chefs include:
- Chef Adán Medrano, food writer, chef, cookbook author and award-winning filmmaker, specializing in indigenous foods of Texas and the Americas. The online class will be held Monday, Sept. 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Menu includes Agua de Jamaica, Albondigas (chile ancho meatballs), cilantro rice and boiled greens beans.
- Chef Evelyn Garcia, Houston native, CIA graduate and finalist in the 19thseason of Bravo’s Top chef. The online class is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 6, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Menu includes chorizo and cheese papusas, herbed curtido (Salvadorian spicy slaw) and salsa de tomate.
Click here for class information and registration.
This celebration is a part of Central Market’s Be the Change initiative which pledges to advance equality and inclusion across Texas. Be the Change provides tools and support for Central Market Partners, suppliers and community allies. To amplify diverse voices, Central Market is proudly sharing these stories and highlighting their products as well as services.
Photo courtesy of Central Market
