Vienna's Naschmarkt

 

As you've probably already figured out, I have a thing for farmer's markets. I love my local Sacramento farmer's market, and visit it almost weekly. However, I've visited some grand markets during my travels. I love the markets in Davis and San Francisco, right here in California. The Saturday market in Bellingham is the one that got me started. But, the Naschmarkt in Vienna is one of the oldest, and largest, anywhere. It's been around since the 16th century, and still operates today with an amazing array of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with artisan cheeses and breads, spices and everything you need to put a meal together. There are also stalls with freshly made meals in case you don't feel like cooking yourself.

I visited the Naschmarkt last year, and took these photos of the tempting produce and foods. I purchased my fair share, taking items back to the apartment I was staying in and preparing a couple of healthy meal in the midst of vacation. I also purchased some of the pre-made dishes, you can't get more authentic local food than what you purchase in a farmer's market!

I was lucky enough to visit the market with my daughter, who shopped there often when she lived in Vienna. It was a trip down memory lane for her, a trip she kindly shared with me. I believe we often live and share through our foods more than we realize.

Farmer's markets everywhere have the same sense of what's fresh locally, produce that bursts with flavor and color. How lucky we are when we're able to share these markets with our children, family, and friends. We can revel in how we each have different new foods that attract us, as well as how we often share food likes and dislikes.

If you have a farmer's market close by, visit it soon. Take your family and make an outing of it. If you're traveling and happen to be in a city on the day of a farmer's market, take the time to tour. Some markets are happy to offer samples, so you can taste the local flavor. Sometimes you can find an apple or pear that makes the perfect snack.