Fragrant colors in the morning

There are many of these shops in Marrakesh, in the medina. The spice and herb shops sell a variety of spices, medicinal herbs and natural products. Typical products include saffron, turmeric, cumin and dried flowers and herbal mixtures for medicinal or culinary purposes. There are also vegetable oils such as argan oil and various types of tea. Many retailers have in-depth knowledge of the traditional Moroccan art of healing and can provide advice on how to use the products.

The sellers in the spice and herb shops in the medina use various tactics to persuade customers to buy. Passers-by are often approached directly and invited into the shops with friendly but determined persistence. There they present their goods with flowery stories about their origin and effects, sometimes accompanied by small demonstrations. High starting prices are often quoted in the expectation that customers will act. The sales pressure can vary depending on the trader - from charmingly persuasive to pushy. Tourists in particular are occasionally confronted with inflated prices, which is why a certain degree of scepticism and negotiating skills are advisable. | Morocco