One of the most rewarding experiences you can have in Italy is to visit the local food markets. Each display of foods is a feast for the eyes. Various fruits are piled perfectly into pyramids or grouped into baskets. You can see baby zucchini with their flower blossoms still intact, plump red Roma tomatoes, shiny black eggplant, onions, and assorted colorful bell peppers.
An assortment of fresh fish and seafood, fragrant herbs strait from the garden, olive oil flavorful and aromatic, poultry, beef and veal, cured meats, cheeses, freshly baked bread, and locally grown produce are displayed.
The markets are lively with people who shop daily for fresh produce and plan the day’s menu around what looks, feels and smells to be in peak condition. You can do the same for a delectable picnic.
The next time you are in Italy, check out these bustling markets and enjoy the splendors of an Italian market.
–Contributed by Monica J. Pileggi – Contract Specialist, Photographer and Traveler. Born in Spain and growing up in Central America, the Far East and Hawaii, Monica has a passion for traveling and photography. Her travels to Italy, France, Greece, Germany, and most recently China, are experiences that she willingly and enthusiastically shares with a large group of travel enthusiasts. You can view the photographs that documents her travel impressions on www.pileggiphotography.com
March 26th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Sitting here at my desk on this dreary day in New Jersey and I open up the “Italian Notebook”. Looking at the pictures and reading about the Italian marketplace, transported me across the ocean. I instantly relaxed and in my head (and heart) was walking through the marketplace looking, talking and sampling different food. One day I will actually be there in body, not just in spirit.
March 26th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
26. Maerz 2009
Everytime I receive the “Italian Notebook” I am ready to pack my suitcase! – “THANK YOU” so much to “ALL” the Contributors, thank you for sharing! – Karin
March 30th, 2009 at 1:31 am
Thank you Patricia and Karin for your compliments. Isn’ts Italy fabulous! Pack your bags and go! Ciao, Monica
July 24th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Look forward to reading more from you in the future,keep up the good work.