Sant’Ambrogio Market

There are 2 great markets in Florence. Sant’ Ambrogio Market is favored by the locals and attracts less tourist.

I had been here last fall and could not wait to go back.  The amount of choices is amazing and a little frustrating when only shopping for one. You want everything but for one you can’t carry it all and 2 you don’t want more than you can cook.

The outdoors part of the market has primarily the fruit, vegetables grains and nuts. The first stall I saw a man was carving designs on watermelon that I found pretty impressive. 

The prices here are really good. They price things by the kilo and there are 2.20 pounds in a kilo to give you an idea of the costs as you look at some of these pictures.  You don’t have to buy any specific amount, you could walk away with one tomatoe and nothing is pre packed.  

Figs have become my new favorite snack.  There are several varieties and they are so sweet, it’s like eating candy. These figs are €3,00 a kilo so you see what I mean about being so inexpensive.  The exchange rate is also very good. $1.12 for one Euro.

I always try to walk away with something I haven’t bought before.  This day it was these gorgeous long beans.

The roasting of this pig smelt wonderful.

You can also shop for a new neon bra between the tomatoes and peppers. I couldn’t get over the size of these cups.

Inside is all the meat, poultry, fish, cheese, prepared food and so much more.  I tend to walk around many times before I make a purchase.  I don’t want to miss anything.

Fresh pasta, pesto, smoked fish and endless array of olives.

There were hamburger patties and stuffed meats all done and ready to cook.

They had these cute little squash bowls ready for stuffing.

I bought one of these chicken breast wrapped with sage. I think it was €2,00.

My big passion here is the cheese.  I bought a nice sliver of 4 or 5 of them.

One of my main objectives on this shopping trip was some fish. This gentleman was very helpful and cut me a gorgeous piece of ahi tuna and salmon. I bought enough of both for 2 dinners each.

Next time I am going to get the octopus.  I love it and have never cooked it myself and I’ve been told it doesn’t require chef like skills.

My other passion is bread.  Oh gosh which one do I want.  Again you can buy whatever amount you want.  So I picked 3.  About 3 inches of each.

With all these prepared choices you can eat well with very little effort.

Looking at all this food made me very hungry and I had timed his visit so I could have lunch here. There is a highly rated restaurant here, not fancy, long tables where everyone is welcome.  With all the things to choose from this caprese salad was calling my name.  The best tomatoes, basil and the heavenly burrata cheese. And of course a glass of white wine.