I do love food markets…and boy did I have a treat in store in Palma.
The Olivar covered market is in a class of its own! So many stunning ingredients, so inspiring and a real taste treat, too.
First stop, the oyster bar for a glass of cava and some oysters to get the day off on the right foot. Choose your size (the biggest ones were, well, gigantic) and a squeeze of lemon and a dash of Tabasco and you’re done. I can’t remember tasting fresher oysters, they melted on my tongue. There’s also a range of other seafood available which they will cook for you straight off their stall. Yum!
The fish counters are overflowing with the freshest of seafood and fish with a massive selection, from miniscule shrimps to juicy lobsters, sardines aplenty, clams, mussels, octopus and all that fabulous Spanish white fish.
And what can I say about the fruit and vegetables? The displays will take your breath away and good luck choosing what you’re going to take home. I loved the look of these fresh artichokes.
And then there’s the jamon, loads of it!
My love for tomatoes is well documented, and the different ones in Spain amaze me. They all have different flavours, too.
At this jamon stand you can sample a plate of his wares. There are different varieties available, simply make your selection and it is sliced in front of you in the traditional way. More food that melts on your tongue, all washed down with a little glass of wine.
And, of course, you have to taste the cheeses!
What a market! What an experience! Ostras, Cava, jamon, queso y vino tinto while surrounded by a true wonderland of edible treasures. Now that’s my idea of a beautiful morning.
Special thanks to our lovely friends Dave and Sue who spend a lot of time in Mallorca and volunteered to be our expert guides for the day. Dave certainly knows the foodie secrets of Palma and it was a delight to share them.
Mercat Olivar is open from 7am to 2.30 pm Monday to Saturday and from 2.30pm to 8pm on Friday.
