MERKAT DE SANT JOSEP (THE BOQUERIA)

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. 

PHOTOGRAPH BY AUSTINEVAN

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.