Can I buy fresh rosemary at local markets in Mallorca, or is it mostly sold dried?

In recent years, Mallorca’s local markets have increasingly featured fresh herbs, rosemary included, especially during spring and summer when the Tramuntana’s mild climate encourages vibrant growth. Markets in towns like Palma’s Mercat de l'Olivar and Soller’s weekly market regularly offer freshly harvested rosemary alongside other herbs such as thyme and basil, all typically grown on the island or nearby. The scent of fresh rosemary often fills these stalls, creating a sensory backdrop for shoppers seeking authentic Mallorcan ingredients.

Vendors are usually more than happy to chat about the best uses of fresh rosemary, whether for a traditional tumbet or alongside slow-roasted lamb. While dried rosemary remains a pantry staple in Mallorca, particularly valued for preserving the intense flavours of sobrassada and pa amb oli, the fresh herb brings a brighter, more pungent aroma and a subtle pine note that dried versions cannot replicate. For those wanting to try their hand at cooking local dishes or simply enjoy the fragrance, picking up some fresh rosemary at markets around Alcudia or Pollenca can be a highlight of the culinary experience here.

Outside of markets, small gardens and terraces around Valldemossa and Deià often cultivate rosemary and other herbs, contributing to the island’s rich aromatic landscape. Whether you wander along the Ma-10 or explore the coves near Cala Llombards, the herbaceous notes in the air often hint at rosemary’s presence nearby. The fresh variety, when available, is perfect for infusing oil or preparing authentic herbal liqueurs like Hierbas, underscoring its cherished place in local gastronomy.