One of the best ways to experience local culture in Italy is to visit & explore various regional open air markets. For a true glimpse and taste of the “la dolce vita” dive into an authentic piazza “mercato”: you name it and you can usually find it from fresh produce, fish, meat, salami, cheese, honey, chocolate, spices, pasta, rice, nuts, wine, flowers, plants, clothing, antiques, hardware, linens, purses, luggage and eyewear. From medieval village squares to the main cities’ large piazzas, outdoor markets are abound this time of year. Typical setups range from old-world charm permanent stone arcade stalls to simple tent-like booths. Italian vendors put on quite a display of goods- these are not your basic farmers markets so take your time to stroll around and absorb the authentic atmosphere.
One of the greatest aspects to the food markets is seasonality. The selection of produce that is offered is based on the growing and harvesting seasons of Italy. Remember that Europeans in general, especially Italians, live by a slow food “0 km” philosophy. Mother nature provides her bounty for a reason so eat food when it’s actually meant to be consumed: according to the season! Don’t expect to find chestnuts and butternut squash at the height of summer or asparagus and strawberries in the dead of winter. Make sure to tell the stall vendor when you plan on using the specific ingredient since the freshly picked/harvested produce usually only has a few days shelf life. In order to provide the most suitable goods, they normally will ask you if you plan on using the item in a recipe today or in a couple days…not any longer! Tutto fresco = fresh means fresh. In the US we are often tricked into thinking that produce that sits a week or two out in a bowl on our kitchen counter is normal….it’s not! This is another reason why local markets are often held daily or at least twice a week in Italy… the signoras food shop almost every day. In the Northern region of the Veneto take a stroll in Padova’s outdoor & indoor markets- open every day except Sunday and the crowds will be the same every morning: Piazza delle Erbe (herbs, spices & vegetables), Piazza della Frutta (seasonal fruit & dry goods), Palazzo della Ragione (meat, salami, fish, cheese, pasta, wine bars), Piazza dei Signori (housewares, clothing, leather goods).
Another magnificent characteristic to the Italian market culture is regionality.
Compare the selection of goods from the iconic Ballarò market in Palermo to the famous Rialto fish market in Venice and you’ll get a real sense of how diverse local traditions and regional cuisine can truly be.
A few practical tips for meandering your way through the stalls like a true local:
-Markets in Italy are cash only.
-Minimal protocol exists when it comes to lines so stand your ground in the crowds to get the vendors attention. When they shout “il prossimo” (next) get in there!
-Pounds vs. kilos can get tricky as Italians order by the “etto” (100grams) so sometimes it’s easier to just order by units, example 3 pears, 2 eggplant, etc.
-Bring your own eco-friendly shopping bags, some vendors charge extra for plastic bags.
-Get there early- markets usually shut down at lunch time so by noon the pickings start to get slim.
