If you have ever been to Italy, you will know that street markets are part of Italian life. All across Italy, there are street markets ranging from small to large, commercial to authentic, food to antiques,….you name it, they sell it. These markets are what make Italy! My husband, friend and I went to a mercato that was held in a town about 30 minutes away from where we live. They hold the mercato once a month and you will find everything from food to clothing, and pots and pans to shoes. Not to mention all at bargains! So sit back and relax…..I’m taking you to the mercato by way of photos!
Entering…..
It’s getting very crowded!
And here are some typical finds of the region…….
First, you will notice salted baccalà (cod) and other types of fish. You wash off the salt before cooking as this was a very old method to preserve fish.
Here we have all the dry nuts and beans…..all sold by the kilo (2.2lbs)
You can also find cheeses and cured meats!
Sun dried tomatoes, as well as all kinds of olives, mushrooms, and eggplant preserved in olive oil……
On to fresh fruits and veggies! (And yes, you are allowed to taste them if you ask first =)
And last but not least, fresh herbs as well as plants and flowers!
And that’s the day in the life of a street market here in Sicily =)
Until next time!
Wanita =)
One Comment
We love markets and make a point to visit some whenever we are in a new town. Here in Melbourne, we shop every week at the Victoria Market.
In India, the markets are both similar and different to the Italian ones. Not as clean but bustling and noisy. Dried fruit and nuts used to be stacked up in sacks just like in your photographs. Not so now.
We love our cheese so that will be one thing we will be shopping in the markets for followed by olives and chocolate. Our Italian friend in the Victoria Market here in Melbourne has introduced us to some wonderful chocolate in southern Sicily (not Modica) so we will be on the lookout for that brand.