Local markets in Rome, Italy: where and what to shop

Local markets are the place of the heart for thousands of people. In summer and winter, a required stop for quality shopping.

Old habits die hard! Among all the distinctly Italian habits, there is one that is still very common, despite the modern times. We are talking about shopping in the local markets. In particular in the farmers’ markets. Fruit and vegetables are at the base of the Mediterranean diet, and here it’s easy to find fresh products in abundance! In Italy, farmers’ markets are practically everywhere, almost in every main square. They are usually open-air markets, which bring together stands of local producers. Today, however, indoor local markets are increasingly popular. Here is possible do the usual shopping but also take the time to seat and eat. Maybe in one of the well liked food truck or in a street food stand, selling the traditional food.

Do the shopping in winter

The key word is always seasonality.  For Italian people, in fact, following the seasonality of products is essential. When fruit and vegetables are in season, as we know, they have a different flavor and also they are cheaper. This trend brings us back to the Italian regional food tradition, developed especially in the countryside or in poor contexts. The motto of doing a lot with little means knowing how to reuse, recycle and choose the best moments in which to buy or collect an ingredient. Italy owns a variety and richness of fruit and vegetables that is, perhaps, unique in the whole world. It also changes depending on the region and the territory.

The Roman countryside and its seasonal products

The Agro Romano, the rural area that extends around the city of Rome, is the cradle of national horticulture, the central market of Italy. It is from here that some of the poorest and simplest vegetables became strong points of Italian cuisine. So, what kind of fruit and vegetables should we put in our basket in winter? Although it is said, from December to March you can choose from a wide range of products.

Winter vegetables: how to choose

Among the most common vegetables in these cold months there are certainly broccoli, cauliflowers, cabbages, Savoy cabbages and turnips. All from the Bressicaceae family, with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Artichokes, fennels, celery and leeks, all with strong purifying properties, can be eaten both raw and cooked. In Rome is very popular the raw artichoke salad, with a squeeze of lemon juice, EVO oil, salt and black pepper. Also a sprinkle of grated Pecorino cheese, if you want. Among the broad leaf vegetables appear the chicory, spinach and radicchio, all excellent in soups. Pumpkins, carrots, potatoes and beets stand out, perfect cooked au gratin.

Winter fruits: full of vitamin C

As for fruit in winter, of course we don’t find the same colors as summer, but the variety is still wide. Citrus fruits in pole position. Oranges, mandarins, clementines, grapefruits, lemons and citrons, fruits full of vitamin C which help prevent seasonal illnesses. Kiwi is also high in vitamin C. Indeed, Lazio region is the leading national producer for this once exotic fruit. Apples, pears and bananas are among the most used fruits of the period, even cooked, for desserts or fruit salads. In the early winter period, persimmons and pomegranates are also available, perfect for sorbet.

The value of the local markets

Local markets are precious elements of the country. Especially in the art cities, full of shops increasingly dedicated to tourism and less to daily life. Local markets must be protected and preserved. Indeed, valued, because they remind us of good things: the values of our native land and the tradition. They keep alive and renew social relationships, in short, they are part of our culture. This is why, during our food tour of Rome Campo de’ Fiori, we give space to the voices, the colors and the protagonists of the market.

List of the local markets in Rome city centre

Campo de’ Fiori – Piazza Campo de’ Fiori (mon- sat 7:00-14:00)
Testaccio – Via Beniamino Franklin (mon- sat 6:00-14:00)
Trastevere – Piazza San Cosimato (mon- sat 6:30-14:30)
Nuovo Esquilino – Via Principe Amedeo 184 (mon- wed- thu 5:00-15:00/tue-fri-sat 5:00-17:00)
Trionfale – Via Andrea Doria 3 (mon- sat 7:00-14:00)
Prati – Piazza dell’Unità 53 (mon- sat 7:30-19:30)
Nomentano – Piazza Alessandria (mon- sat 7:00-15:00)
Trieste – Via Chiana 109 (mon- sat 7:00-14:00)
Mercato Contadino Circo Massimo – Via dei Cerchi (sat-sun 9:00-16:00)
Mercato Monti  – Via Baccina 36 (mon- sat 7:00-15:00)

Or …join us on one of our foodie tours