Market Day - Mexico

When I moved to Mexico in the 90s, one of my favourite things to do was to go shopping. And I don't mean shopping for shoes or designer bags. I loved the everyday shopping for groceries and other necessities. My town had several supermarkets which I frequented but my favourite place was the market, which butted up against the Gulf of Mexico. The fisherman would dock their boats, throwing their catch of the day to the vendors above.

I would wake in the morning, heading out to the centro historico with my oversized straw bag, and flip phone slipped into my jeans pocket. Hitting the market was an explosion for my senses. The excited chatter and the commotion of the day energized me even before I could see the beautiful produce.

Fruit and vegetable shopping was a dream. There were the fresh, vibrant usual suspects - tomatoes, onions, carrots, limes, watermelons, mangos and bananas. And then there were many things I'd never seen or heard of (at the time) including dragon fruit (called pitaya), nopal (prickly pear), jicama, chayote, tomatillo, and so, so many types of chiles that came in fresh and dried varieties. As time wore on the vendors would often throw in a handful for me to try - some mild, and some that would blow your head off. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I had never eaten avocados, or cilantro, before I moved to Mexico. I know. But this was the 90s; it was a different time. That first time I ate guacamole was like a party. There is a no avocado like a fresh Mexican avocado. How had I lived without this?

I admired the fishmongers, whose product smelled of the sea, but was somewhat intimidated to tuck in, especially with my limited Spanish and novice cooking skills. What should I buy? And how would I cook it?

The meat section of the market wasn't for the meek. The smell was intense. The pig heads visibly on display, jarred. Vendors slowly swatted flies in the heat. Live chickens were common. I would see women jumping on the bus as I left the market, with produce in one hand, and a live chicken, its feet tied together and hanging upside down in the other.

There were other amazing sights - a tortilla machine that spit out perfect rounds continuously much to my delight, heaps of beautiful flowers, vendors selling coconut water from fresh coconuts and children's party stores that sold brilliantly coloured piñatas. They were waiting to be stuffed with candy and beaten into submission. I wondered if I might have children of my own some day to plan parties for.

To this day, Mexican (and Italian) food is my favourite cuisine to cook. It was a joy to go to that market and return home and prepare ingredients. I loved those mornings, just me and the market.

local fisherman bringing in the catch of the day. It doesn't get any fresher than this.