Markets of the World

from Issue Six: The Seven Flavors Of The World

Teaching to Tasting: A Story of Main Street Delights

Words by: Mary Davis

A young American woman steps out of her car and walks into her local Walmart. She is on the hunt for ingredients to make a pasta dinner for her friends. She has a plethora of options–three types of whole tomatoes, organic tomato sauces,low-sodium sauces, and GMO-free sauces. Nearly an entire aisle of pasta; whole wheat, white, egg, soy and edamame noodles, in elbows, wheels and bowties.

A young woman in Italy walks down a small side street to a bustling neighborhood in Rome. Numerous clubs, bars and cafes line the streets. Ancient stone archways stand among terra cotta buildings in the heart of the capital city. Vendors hawk vegetables still tinged with black soil and people lean on bars, chatting and sipping espresso. The young woman knows she must arrive early in order to have the best pick of the day’s produce, whatever it may be on that particular morning.

In Nice, France, flowers and food abound in a street market surrounded by restaurants and cafes. On a harbor in the south of Helsinki, Finland, fresh fish, moose, and bear meat are sold alongside handmade chocolates.

What we consider the simple act of “getting groceries” can vary dramatically across the globe. From country to country, food holds an important yet fluid place in society. Even in Central Iowa, there are differences in how and where we make our food selections. One way to explore the world is through its food markets. We can even learn a bit about what’s available in our own backyard…

Italy

“Italy” and “food” may as well be synonymous, as we frequently associate one with the other. Several food markets in Italy have been featured in food and travel magazines, and are central to some of Iowa State’s study-abroad trips. One well-known market abides in the heart of Sicily, Italy, in the side streets surrounding the Piazza San Dominicano. An ancient and storied open-air market, the name, “La Vucciria,” translates to “hubbub”, which is an accurate description of this busy market that makes its appearance every spring. Beginning at 4 a.m. Monday through Friday, fisherman tout their daily catches between stalls packed with fresh vegetables, mushrooms and fruit. Specks of soil still cling to bunches of oregano. These foods may not pass the cleanliness inspection of a chain supermarket, but their freshness cannot compare. By 6 a.m., the street is packed with locals and their steadily filling baskets as they jostle and bargain to select what will eventually become their breakfast, lunch and dinner for the day.

One study-abroad opportunity offered at Iowa State, “For the Love of Italy and Food,” travels to two other well-known Italian, open-air markets, Testaccio and Trastevere. Both are neighborhoods in the heart of Rome that host bustling markets throughout the spring, summer and early fall. The most common features of all these Italian markets are their fresh produce and constant chatter as buyers bargain for the price of the day.

Des Moines/ Ames, Iowa

If these fresh food, open-air markets are making Walmart and Aldi sound dull and commercial, do not despair. Both Des Moines and Ames offer weekly farmers’ markets starting in the spring and running throughout the summer and early fall. The Des Moines Saturday market, held outdoors in downtown Des Moines, runs from May 2 to October 31, and is home to more than 300 vendors from 50 counties in Iowa.

Similarly, though on a smaller scale, Ames hosts a weekly farmers market on Main Street Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May through September and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in October. The Ames market is home to numerous local vendors, cooking competitions and area musicians. Fresh produce, handmade desserts and local businesses’ food trucks are mixed in among booths with hand crafted soaps, clothing, jewelry and housewares. No matter how people prefer to shop for food, whether in a supermarket or city street, the markets of the world are just as different as the countries and cultures that support them. One thing is for certain; fresh, local goods and produce are available all over the world.

Chile

The Marcado Central, “Central Market,” in Santiago, Chile, is a popular fish market boasting fresh catches that include giant squid and barnacles. Nearby restaurants feature the days’ fresh catch and the fishermen are knowledgeable and sharp-minded when it comes to selling their saltwater sea fare. This market operates under a large iron canopy and has been open since 1872. Russia

In St. Petersburg, Russia, the Kuznechny Market offers fresh staples alongside odd, Russian delicacies. Mountains of produce and cheeses as well as caviar and pickled bull’s heart line the street. Less commonly known, Russian cuisine features several unique dishes that are often found in the markets of its cities. Caviar, for example, is a well-loved Russian dish often served on bread or pancakes and paired with Vodka. (Pancakes and vodka for breakfast anyone?) Pierogi is another popular Russian dish. Round in shape and brought together with a spiny ridge on top, this pastry dough can be stuffed savory (meats, cabbage and mushrooms), or sweet (berries and curds). Pickled foods and honey are also commonly seen in Russian markets.