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Spices
Ras el-hanout, saffron, cumin, cinnamon and more.
Practical tips
Ask to smell before buying.
Good to know
Prices can change depending on season, provider or availability. Please check the official website or Google Maps before going.
Overview
The spice stalls of Tangier's medina overflow with coloured pyramids, roots, barks and dried herbs. Spices are one of the easiest things to take home: light, aromatic and useful in the kitchen. But not every “ras el-hanout” is equal, and real saffron is rare and expensive.
Types and styles to know
- Ras el-hanout: iconic blend of up to 20–30 spices. Each shop has its own recipe.
- Saffron: dark red threads, never a cheap bright orange powder. Real saffron is expensive — beware of “too good” deals.
- Cumin, coriander, sweet or hot paprika, turmeric, dried ginger, cinnamon sticks or ground.
- Flowers and herbs: orange blossom, rose water, verbena, dried mint, thyme, rosemary.
- Green tea, prepared mint tea, sugar loaf: the Moroccan tea trio.
How to recognise quality
- Ask to smell. A good ras el-hanout is strong, complex, no dusty smell.
- Saffron: drop a thread in warm water. It should tint slowly to golden yellow, not instantly to bright red.
- Colours: too bright (fluorescent reds or yellows) often mean added dyes. Prefer natural tones.
- Buy small amounts if unsure — 50 g is enough to taste-test.
- Look at stand hygiene: closed jars, clean scoops, no flies = good sign.
Checklist before you pay
- Well-sealed bags, labelled (name, weight, date if possible).
- Separate strong and mild spices so aromas don't mix.
- Outer packaging in a box or airtight bag for the flight.
- For a gift: ask for nice wrapping — common in the medina.
Mistakes and red flags
- Buying very cheap “saffron” — it's almost always safflower or coloured turmeric.
- Buying big amounts of an unfamiliar spice without tasting first.
- Underestimating customs: some plants and medicinal herbs are regulated when entering the EU.
Take home, shipping, customs
- Air travel: ground spices generally pass through cabin and hold luggage without issue.
- Always check your country's customs rules on plant products — see the official customs site in advance.
Useful Darija phrases
- واش نقدر نشمّ؟May I smell?
- شحال 100 غرام؟How much for 100 grams?
- واش هادا زعفران أصلي؟Is this real saffron?
- عطيني شوية غير باش نجرب.Give me a small amount to try.
On Google Maps
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Frequently asked questions
Ras el-hanout (signature blend), cumin, cinnamon, saffron (beware of imitations), ginger, black pepper, turmeric and local herbs like verbena or orange-blossom water.