Puesto de Doña Rufina

Buy spices and pickles on the way along route 40

Whoever travels along Route 40, in the Calchaquíes Valleys, will find several stands selling spices and regional food.

Such is the case of a unique stall on the road, less than a kilometer south of Payogasta (km 4510), the small town overshadowed by its big brother Cachi.

The store has no name, just a sign advertising the sale of spices, dried tomatoes and cheese. It requires no more marketing strategy than a worn and flaming Argentine flag and colorful handwritten jars peeking out from the counter. The astute traveler, alert to this scene of reeds and plastics, decides to stop the vehicle and get ready to enjoy.

The variety of spices resembles the gourmet market of New York's Central Station; pepper, paprika and chili peppers in their different varieties, rosemary, oregano, cumin, turmeric, bay leaf. Next, jars of candies, marmalade, and pickles. In a corner, bags with herbs for mate or infusions (burro, cedron, arcayuyo, inca yuyo, paico, muña muña, suico).

And of course, dried tomatoes that have kept their red color, as well as an intense goat cheese complete the offer.

In the north of Argentina you have to dare to try the traditional regional flavors, as well as buy in the street stalls, that's where its essence is!