Don't miss the
opportunity to visit Barcelona's fascinating food market, the
Mercat de St Josep on La Rambla. The market has existed
in its present form since the 19th century and sells every
imaginable fruit, fish, meat and poultry. The market
known locally as the Boqueria is where the local chefs buy
their fresh produce. Some stalls aren't for the
squeamish, especially the butchers stands which display
intestines, skinned heads of various animals and a variety of
unknown flesh. The name Boqueria is supposed to have
originated from a Catalan expression meaning "goat meat is
sold here" This holds true today, there are goats heads
on display with eyes still staring out from their flesh
covered grinning skulls.
The
freshness of the produce in the Boqueria is renowned.
The shiny fruit and vegetables are piled high in mouth
watering artistic displays. Here you will find
everything from exotic imports, to locally grown oranges,
potatoes and lemons. The market is a chef's paradise
making it easy for them to find the highest quality
ingredients on the doorstep. Some of the stands have
been in the family for generations and have a loyal customer
base built up over many years of trading. The market
today also has stalls accommodating the influx of tourists
which has seen a steady increase over the past twenty years.
You can now find souvenir stalls alongside the food counters.
Catalonian food
is a mix of the best, from meat and poultry to the highest
quality seafood and the market reflects the nature of the
Catalan cuisine. The seafood stalls have a bewildering display
of fish and crustaceans. If you need any special spices,
the Boqueria has stalls devoted to everything from Moroccan
cumin and turmeric to saffron for the Paella.
