A mercato della frutta e verdura, is not necessarily a farmers market it can be a regular fruit and vegetables store. In the case of lu scaru, Sicilian for an outlet, the name takes a whole different meaning. In Italy such markets offer items picked very early in the day and are sold at great prices. This is unlike many of the so called farmers markets in the States that cater mostly to yuppies and hipsters and sell items at very high prices that are allegedly local but whose provenance remains always in doubt. I realize that I'm exaggerating and there are real ones away from the large cities. At any rate, this market is my favorite place to buy fruit and produce in Castellammare del Golfo. The produce at the super markets is not too bad if one knows how to shop. Italians take food very seriously and not tolerate inferior food products. Eating is after all a fine art. There's another reason. In Europe one is not allowed to touch fruits or vegetables. Store owners wearing plastic gloves pick them for you and usually chose what they want to get rid of so there are always arguments. This is another of the many annoying regulations imposed by the European Union. In my favorite market, I'm allowed to touch, feel and even smell what I buy and I decide what to buy. In super markets one must wear disposable plastic gloves, BTW. Another regulation ignored here is the use of required bio degradable bags. These are so weak that when buying liquids one must be very careful. Buying olive oil or wine in super markets can be a problem, In this case the heavy store bought bags are necessary. They are very cheap and durable. In this outlet the bags are very strong. After all this is Sicily where all rules are mere suggestions and may be ignored at will. Another attempt to defy a government that doesn't give a damn about it's citizens. Viva gli italiani, viva la Sicilia.
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