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Campo dei Fiori

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I love me a good food market. The food markets of Europe can't really compare to anything where I live. Sure, we have farmers markets in the summer here, but not on the scale that Italy and France do. I have fond memories of the Marche d'Aligre in Paris. And who could forget the Jean-Talon Market in Montreal?

Campo dei Fiori in Rome is yet another one not to be missed.

First, there is the location. Beautiful square. Surrounded by caffés and trattorias. Right in the heart of Rome. And a lovely statue presiding over the market.

Flowers at the first booth as you round the corner are spread out like natures rainbow.

And the food. Oh the food. This is Italian foodie heaven.

Zucchini blossoms as big as wisk-brooms, perfect for frying.

Ruby-red ciliege, cherries just waiting to become a crostata.

Carciofini, little artichokes, so purple they look bruised.

Piselli, peas, from the Lazio region. I love how they tell you that on the sign.

Willow laundry baskets full of fresh salad greens. The peppery arugula, rucola in Italian, perfumed the whole area.

And speaking of perfume- the herbs were incredible! Basil so fragrant I could just taste the pesto!

Sun-dried tomatoes. From Tunisia. Everything here looks bigger, fresher.

Even the lemons looked like little footballs. I could see some serious limoncello in their future!

I even saw things I have never seen before. Check out these fagioli, beans. I have a scarf that color.

Or this agretti, which looks like an herb, but is more of a vegetable. Looks kinda like chives, though since I haven't had the pleasure of sampling it, I couldn't begin to tell you what it tastes like.

And there isn't just fruit and veggies here. No, no- there is a little bit of everything. Every spice known to man.

Porcini. Ohhhh Porcini. How I love thee.

Plenty of balsamic vinegars to sample.

And I think you'd be able to spot the fresh fish booth, from almost anywhere in the market, don't you?

What's your favorite market- Italian or otherwise? What is the strangest thing you have ever seen or bought at the market?

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Cristina
June 17th, 2009
I love love love markets. Just been to the farmer’s market near home actually

Susan
June 17th, 2009
I adore markets too but none have ever looked like this one. This is Paradise! Oh I want to go there!

somepinkflowers
June 17th, 2009
ooohhhh…
my most recent fav
was the little one outside my window in venice
last month —->
http://somepinkflowers.typepad.....orner.html
your campo dei fiori shots are the best
and i think one of my fav restaurants
is near that statue…
ohhh…
you did so good with your photos!
carry on…………………

My Melange
June 17th, 2009
Thanks! I have never eaten on the Campo, well, exceptfor gorging myself on the pizza al taglio at the Forno. I love yours too!! xo

erin :: the olive notes
June 17th, 2009
I sat at the Obika mozzarella bar there on the northwest corner of the market and watched everyone shopping. Such a colorful display

nyc/caribbean ragazza
June 17th, 2009
Maybe I bumped into you while you were there! That Forno on the square has some of the best piazza in Rome. It’s outstanding.
My favorite market in Rome so far is Testaccio’s. While Campo’s is more scenic, it’s very expensive. I understand why. It’s in the Center and they get a lot of tourists

My Melange
June 17th, 2009
Oh, we didn’t get to Obika believe it or not! I would be interestedin your opinion Erin. What say you? Did you like it?

My Melange
June 17th, 2009
Yes very true!! But the eye-candy is amazing- and it is FREE to look and take photos I have heard that about the Testaccio market (which always reminds me of a male’s body parts when I see and hear it spoken). I’ll have to get there next time. And meet up with you as well Arlene xo

Vicki
June 17th, 2009
Great photos…I love me a good marcato anche! I’m reading a book by Marlena di Blasi called, “a thousand days in Venice” and although it’s a story, she includes some recipes. There’s a great one for fried zucchini flowers. Do you need it? The book is excellent! There’s a follow-up called, “a thousand days in Tuscany” and then “The Lady in the Palazzo”. I believe that these are actually true stories about her life. Check ‘em out!

My Melange
June 17th, 2009
Hi Vicki!
Idon’t need the recipe-one of the links in this post was actually alink to MY recipe for the fried zucchini blossoms
And I know her books very well. I tried to readone of them (maybe the Venice one actually) but it just didn’t drawn me in. Maybe I’llgive one of the other ones another try, though.
xo

joanne at frutto della passione
June 17th, 2009
Did you buy yourself any flavoured oils or saffron? Are you going to post about your purchases in the Bel Paese? Gorgeous pics!

Mélanie Aussandon
June 17th, 2009
I love the italian markets, also the ones in Nice, on the frencn. You almost the same things than in Italy.The zucchini blossoms are one of my favorite meal

Amy @ The Q Family
June 17th, 2009
I have never been to Italy market but now I feel like I have been there with your photos. What a great trip to the market.

Dana
June 18th, 2009
Buon giorno,
I never tire of ITalian market photos! What is it about that setting that always makes the photos spectacular?
D

KC
June 18th, 2009
The first photo is fabulous, Robin! It makes old Giordano Bruno look like an umbrella finial. Cherries at 9 Euro a kg? Prices like that make me glad we have a tree.

anne
June 18th, 2009
Heaven…!!!!
Rome, Markets, great food, what more could you ask for. The markets over there are fantastic, just as they are in France. My friend could not believe the market we went to in Paris..great photos too!!

theromejournal.org
March 19th, 2010
These are some fantastic pictures! Great job. I have to agree though with Carribbean Ragazza that the Campo de’ Fiori Market is a little touristy and that the Testaccio Market is great for experiencing Roman life with much less tourists around.

Thanks for your thoughts. I agree about the less touristy Testaccio Market, but I just can’t resist the forno’s near the Campo Market