Interview with Lucia Flors, Co-founder of Siesta Co.
Lucia Flors, Co-founder of Siesta Co. walks us through all things Spain and fish! We are enamored with tinned fish and they are a staple in our cupboards - tinned fish in salads and on toast is our absolute dream come true. We searched and searched until we found Siesta Co. which we felt aligned deeply with our brand values and favorite flavors of Spain!
We love that your brand has a lifestyle ethos behind its name - can you tell us about what the spirit of Siesta Co. is and how the company came to be.
Both Carlos and I grew up in Valencia, Spain, savoring fresh, delicious food, much of it sourced straight from the Mediterranean Sea. As physicians, we moved to the States for further subspecialization in our field almost a decade ago. Back then, we didn’t anticipate making this our new home. It was being away from our home country that made us realize how much we missed the flavors of Spain, its incredible specialty products, and easygoing aperitivo culture. Meals are at the center of family reunions and gatherings with friends.
Siesta Co. was born in June 2022. We set out to bring a piece of Spain to the USA, making the flavors we grew up with more accessible to food lovers in our amazing new home.
Our brand name, Siesta, is an emblem of Spain, a symbol of the good life. We encourage you to slow down and take that moment of pause, relaxation, and mindful enjoyment of the meal.
Siesta Co. was born in June 2022. We set out to bring a piece of Spain to the USA, making the flavors we grew up with more accessible to food lovers in our amazing new home.
Our brand name, Siesta, is an emblem of Spain, a symbol of the good life. We encourage you to slow down and take that moment of pause, relaxation, and mindful enjoyment of the meal.
We would love to hear more about Galicia where your fish is sourced from. What is the history of fishing and the importance of preserving fish and what does it mean to that community?
Tinned seafood, known as conservas, boasts a rich centuries-old tradition in Spain, particularly in Galicia, Siesta’s primary source for seafood. Situated in the Northwest, along the Atlantic Coast, just above Portugal, Galicia is a haven for fresh seafood, sustaining local communities for generations. Over the past two centuries, canning and preserving this maritime bounty have profoundly shaped the region's cuisine and economy. Conservas serve as a means to capture and lock in the catch's peak of freshness, offering a tinned time capsule brimming with unrivaled flavor and essential nutrients like omega-3s, protein, and iron.
In Spain, conservas aren't considered a budget-friendly alternative to fresh seafood; they represent an entirely distinct preparation. This parallels the distinction between cured meats like jamón ibérico or prosciutto and fresh pork. This perspective holds especially true in a region as abundant in fresh seafood as Galicia, where that tin of mussels or mackerel from the seaside is held in the highest regard. Within each tin resides a piece of tradition and culture, meticulously preserved.
How are you eating your tinned fish in your home? We are always partial to a picnic and a salad with a loaf of bread. We would love to hear your favorite take.
There are many ways to enjoy tinned fish.With the surge in popularity on social media, we're constantly amazed by the inventive ways people use our tins. The possibilities seem boundless. However, here at Siesta Co. I'd consider us traditionalists.
More often than not, you'll find us enjoying conservas straight from the tin, accompanied by freshly baked bread, a small bowl of olives, and a glass of wine. It's a simple yet immensely satisfying pleasure.
