Cecina is a traditional product that has been made in the north of Castile and Leon for many hundreds of years. The best is reckoned to come from Astorga, where the quality of the cattle, high altitude and cold, dry winters provide the perfect conditions for its production. Rich, and deep flavoured with a hint of iron and a distinct flavour from the natural smoking process. This product has been awarded with 1 star in the Great Taste Awards 2016. The judges’ comments were: “Deep, rich, attractive colour on these very lean thin slices. Very subtle smoky overtone on rich, sweet tasting beef which is so tender it melts on the tongue. A good moisture level, rich and with complex flavours from the natural smoking, the iron comes through well.”