This morning, hoping to find some tomatillos - small green tomatoes used to make green salsa - I headed to the old Mercado del Progreso on the A line. The A line of the Subte is my favorite. Right on my street, it's the oldest line in the city and still runs old wooden subway cars. During the summer when the windows are open the A line has a wonderful smell. It smells like hot wood. Not burning, but hot. It's a sweet comforting smell that reminds me of something long ago, though I can't ever quite remember what.
The mercado is just off the subte stop so shopping there is as easy as staying in my own neighborhood but the quality of the produce is MUCH better. I enjoyed walking around the market looking at all the fresh food. The smells of the things on offer, the bright colors, all were wonderful. The people were enjoying their morning shopping, laughing and talking. You could see the old ladies figuring in their heads what they'd make for dinner with what looked good today. It took me a couple of turns at different stands to realize those sweet little old ladies would take my turn without blinking an eye, though I wasn't in any hurry and waiting gave me a chance to see how the process worked, to look carefully and see who had the freshest tomatoes or the prettiest lemons. I bought some gorgeous figs from this guy...
and then some vegetables from these folks...
It's a beautiful old building and that alone is worth the 20 minute subte ride from my house. It also means I can buy meat, poultry, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, olives, spices and even some freshly cooked foods all in one place.
I never did find those tomatillos, though I'm glad I went looking because I found a cool new place to shop. I came home with herbs, fruits and vegetables and I arranged them so that I can enjoy how beautiful they are. Food isn't just a joy to eat, it is a joy to see and smell and touch and all the more so when it's fresh. All in all, a morning well spent...
Just washed fruits and vegetables...
Herbs arranged as flowers lets me enjoy the smells and reminds me to use them in my cooking...
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