“A treasure trove of spices that would have made the thieving Ali Baba jealous sat huddled in one corner of the van. The motherly embrace of 'advieh'- a mixed all-spice of crushed rose petals, cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin; the warm tomb of turmeric; and that spice worth more than its weight in gold- 'za'feran,' saffron.”