The Italian Farmers’ Market in the Springtime

Springtime in Italy is a glorious time of year for many reasons, but one of them is the pleasure of visiting the local farmers’ market.  As is often the case, each city hosts multiple markets.  Part of the daily routine for the locals is a visit to these neighborhood markets, after they drop off the kids at school, or, on their way to work.  Italians are not big at planning ahead for their weekly meals and a visit to their neighborhood market usually provides the perfect inspiration for what to put on the table, come lunch or dinner time.

These markets, or mercati, are also social outlets for many.  People meet up with friends, talk to the stall owners about their daily offerings, and inquire after the best ways to cook with them.  They also develop deep friendships with the farmers who show up each day, rain or shine.

One famous market is the one at Campo dei Fiori in the heart of Rome. One can find there the most amazing displays of fresh fruit and vegetables, cut flowers, local cheeses, fresh pasta, spices, golden loaves of bread, honey, olive oil and other Italian delicacies. Visitors are encouraged to smell, touch, pick, taste samples and ask many questions. The smell of seasonal flowers is intoxicating, the aroma of ripe produce is overwhelming and the perfume of freshly baked bread is hard to resist. How wonderful it is to have a visit to something like this part of your daily routine!