Walking through the souk or open-air market is a sensual experience. Wafting aromas and intense colors demand attention. So it's time to stop and admire the natural beauty for sale today. In front, on the left, is a bowl of mild Egyptian saffron. From ancient times onwards, valued as a perfume and as a dye, this saffron is very different from the highly aromatic Mediterranean crocus stigma saffron for culinary use. Next are dried chili peppers, then possibly the most brilliant blue powder you've ever seen! It's for laundry. Behind are bowls of cumin seeds, cinnamon bark, black peppercorns, black cumin seeds, mint, ground coriander seeds, and dried tamarind.
