Mantecados Gamito Hnos. S.L.

Lard, both pork and vegetable, has been an essential component of human nutrition for millennia. At Mantecados Gamito Hnos. S.L., we use the best lard obtained from the most select Iberian pig from the pastures of Extremadura and Salamanca. The quality of the breeding of these pigs is known worldwide, which allows us to offer products of the highest quality. Likewise, we have managed to obtain a magnificent result in our products using vegetable fat, making it possible for everyone, regardless of their ideological and religious preferences, to be able to enjoy our delicacies.

This article explores the rich history of lard, highlighting its cultural, economic and culinary importance over time, and its fundamental role in the production of mantecados and polvorones.

The Roman gourmet Apicius (1st century AD) already used lard in many of his recipes. Lard not only provided flavour and texture to dishes, but was also an excellent source of energy. In ancient Rome, it was common to use lard for cooking meats and vegetables, as well as for frying foods. During the Middle Ages, lard became a key ingredient in European cuisine. In the absence of vegetable oils, lard was the main fat used for cooking and baking. In addition, its preservation capacity made it ideal for long-term storage, especially in cold climates.

Mantecados and Polvorones: A Traditional Sweet

One of the most emblematic uses of lard in gastronomy is in the preparation of mantecados and polvorones, typical Christmas sweets in Spain. These sweets have been prepared for over 400 years, and lard is the main ingredient that gives them their characteristic consistency and flavour.

Vegetable shortening, obtained from various plants and fruits, also has a long history in human nutrition. Its use dates back more than 10,000 years, originating in tropical regions of Southeast Asia, Africa and South America. Oils extracted from fruits such as coconut, palm and cocoa have been essential in the cuisine and traditional medicine of these regions. Today, vegetable shortening is widely used in the production of pastries and confectionery products.

At Mantecados Gamito Hnos. S.L., we use vegetable shortening to give our products a creamy texture and enhance the flavor of their ingredients. In addition, vegetable shortening offers better stability against oxidation, which guarantees the creaminess and freshness of the shortenings throughout their shelf life. Our vegetable products are 100% tested by the Halal Institute, which guarantees the quality seal granted by the Halal seal. This ensures that our products not only meet the highest quality standards, but are also suitable for a wide variety of consumers.