Mercato Centrale is the main market in Florence to discover and purchase a wide variety of traditional Italian and Tuscan food, wine, glazes, and more. It is open every day of the week, and locals and tourists alike head to this popular cultural hotspot to buy food for the day or to just simply look around in awe at the bustling atmosphere.

One of the many interactions between vendors and buyers at Mercato Centrale

The main dietary principles in Italy include freshness and seasonality, regional diversity and tradition, and the emphasis on simple and balanced meals. A quick stroll around Mercato Centrale is enough to recognize all of these values reflected in what the vendors are selling and the behavior of the buyers. Because freshness is so important to Italians, the lack of preservatives forces locals to buy food nearly every day. Stands of produce from local farms can be found all around the market, and the fresh produce tastes noticeably different than that sold in supermarkets. In addition to fruits and vegetables, many locals also head to the market each day for bread, meats, and cheeses. 

A fruit and vegetable stand at the market selling seasonal and local produce

Reflecting on this idea of freshness in Italy, I had the privilege of working in the garden of St. James Episopal Church within the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood of Florence. Each Monday and Wednesday, I worked alongside other gardeners to transport, pot, and nurture various flowers and vegetable plants. Through this experience I was able to learn about the sustainable practices that Italian farmers continuously strive for and the process in which they can produce quality food without the need for preservatives or excessive pesticides.

Several types of cheeses from various regions of Italy

If you are ever in Florence, I strongly recommend visiting Mercato Centrale in the beginning of the day to observe real life examples of Italian values and cuisine. Just make sure to bring a few euros with you as many vendors do not accept credit card payments!

Written by: Lexi, Spring 2024 Florence student from Miami University