While wandering the streets surrounding Granada's cathedral, I came upon this little market filled with bins and baskets of aromatic potpouri. At first, I wasn't sure what all the dried leaves and flower stuff was. I almost expected someone to roll it up and offer me a puff! Then, i notice a table of 'te' which I was able to quickly translate to 'tea.' Ah, I was in an herb and spice market. Wonderful!
It was interesting to find such exotic spices and teas in Spain when most Spanish food is prepared so simply. The aromas and colors were intoxicating. This market is located in the Albaicin, the old moorish quarter, explaining the influence of Arabic spices like paprika, cumin, coriander, and cardamom (and many others I couldn't pronounce or identify) found here.
I could only imagine the culinary exploration that would happen in my kitchen if I had a tea and spice market in my neighborhood!! M-mm-mm-mm-good!
