The origins of this craft lie in early man's concern with conserving food. In spite of the modern industrial processes in Biscay the population has known how to preserve the most genuine aspects of a good many traditional food products. Proof of the importance of this type of artisanship is the large number of exhibitions, competitions and markets , dedicated to these products, which are held throughout the whole year. Traditional craftsman methods are also used to make bread, cakes and tarts. The slaughter of pigs is a ritual from which a good number of home-made products are derived, such as sausages, black puddings, cured meats, etc.
Fishing provides products such as tuna fish in oil or in a marinade and anchovies in brine.