One A Day – 649
Pescado y bueno amigos
Over 200 miles from the sea, we have a wide variety of fresh fish everyday
Caldo de Pescado Chico, 35 Pesos
Timeless
Long before Jamba Juice, there were the juice and health bars of Mexico
- Mercado Independencia
- Centro, Morelia, Michoacán, México
- May 31, 2015
- Copyright, all rights reserved
There is something comforting about the bounty of meats, vegetables, cheeses, grains and legumes that are on display in the mercado. It speaks of the bounty of the agriculture in Mexico and the people who are employed in related businesses. The fish in their area have gleaming eyes, glistening sides, and the scent of the ocean. The meats in the butchers’ displays are fresh and healthy. Vegetables, herbs, beans, cheeses are in great variety.
I know for many, the size of the market, the number of options, and the bustle during busy periods is daunting. I find my way by knowing as many vendors as I can so that I feel comfortable with their offerings. It is much easier to ask questions and answer their questions in return when you know the people you are buying from even a little. Conversation is the essence of markets like this – negotiating options and prices – giving the vendors an idea of what you need to make you decide to spend your money with them instead of the vendor across the aisle. It is very different than a modern supermarket where you can go and speak to virtually no one. There, you take what they offer, at the price offered or leave your cart and go elsewhere. I appreciate that difference.
So, for me – the three fellows in the first two photos of their fish market are fun to talk to and buy from. They are funny and at the same time, serious about the quality of their fish and work. You tell them how you want to prepare the fish and they will fillet, cut for the grill, descale – make the final product ready for cooking right in front of you. The lunch counters and food vendors in the market are timeless because what they serve is as much a part of the culture as anything you will find. It is comforting and something solid to depend on.
If you do get a chance to visit this or any busy Mexican mercado, do go and keep yourself open to new experiences and new friends. I will be going back for more photos soon…