No matter where I go in México, I always pay a visit to the local mercado.  Not just because I love to eat but because I love learning about all the different produce available in each area.

Even if we are staying in an apartment or hotel, I always buy a bit of food for us to enjoy for snacks.  Jicama and carrots, always.  Cut up fruit, nuts, and dried fruit, often.

In the picture above – at the top is jicama, papaya, coconut and pineapple.  Below that are imported pears and apples.  The weird knobby thing in a pile in the middle is guanabana.  I love guanabana, it is said to be especially good for those fighting cancer and is delicious and fragrant.  It makes a great agua fresca.

At the bottom of the picture you see dulce de membrillo (quince paste) and pasta de guayaba (guava paste). Give it a try as a spread on toast!

Mercados often have an area of small restaurants.  These are always unique to an area and are also a bit of a challenge for a vegetarian.  You will want to scan the offerings first and see if there are any obvious winners. If not, you may end up with a quesadilla.  But don’t be sad, take advantage of their usually delicious home made salsas, ask for some sliced avocado and lime and you will be good to go!

Vocabulary

Carrot – La zanahoria

Papaya – La papaya

Coconut – El Coco

Pear – La pera

Apple – La manzana

Quince – El membrillo

Guava – Guayaba

Avocado – El aguacate