The seemingly endless amount of produce in Brazil makes this country one of the best places in the world to be a farmer, and certainly one of the best places to find a farmers’ market. In São Paulo outdoor markets are virtually everyday popping up in different places throughout the city. I stopped by two markets one weekend, with close to 20 vendors at each location.
Browsing the aisles you can find everything from exotic fruit stands to farmers selling assorted veggies, spices, fish, and everything in between. When you’re tired of shopping you can rest, have a beer, or grab a traditional Brazilian snack like pastel or coxinha. Thanks to inexpensive costs, getting a weekly dose of fresh produce in Brazil has never been easier. Here is a little taste of what you might see at a farmers’ market in São Paulo, Brazil.
Stephen Grant is a web communications professional, freelance writer and expat currently in São Paulo, Brazil. Stephen has a column for The Huffington Post Blog that covers mostly music, arts and travel. He has written for websites such as EQ Music, Too Good for Radio, The Arts Paper and #ARTNHV. Follow articles and photographs by Stephen online at stephenjgrant.com.
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Fruit: A couple choosing fruit from a wide selection of mangos, kiwis, atemoya, nectarines and other delicious fruits.
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Barbeque: Brazilians love a good barbeque, and everyone knows part of being at any farmers' market is eating while you shop.
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Heart of Palm: With palm trees covering a great part of Brazil, it is no surprise that they have been used for culinary purposes. Heart of Palm, or palmito, is harvested from the interior of the stem of certain species of palm trees. It is then preserved here in what is probably salt and water. People also eat the fruit of the palm trees.
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Cheese: A woman smiles as she prepares cheese for tasting.
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Chestnuts: Not just for roasting on an open fire in the wintertime.
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Vegetables: You are sure to run into all types of vegetables at a farmers' market in São Paulo. Fresh carrots, yucca, greens and more are all waiting for you.
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Sugar Cane Juice: Need a break? Relax with delicious sugar cane juice! You can add lime, pineapple and other fruits for added flavor. Sugar cane juice pairs well with pastel and you are sure to find both at a farmers' market. You can even buy a bottle to take home for later.
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Spices: Spice up your life! Cinnamon, curry, and many other savory herbs are all at your fingertips.
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Beans: Beans are a big part of Brazilian cuisine and there are several options to choose from. Photographed here are feijao de corda, which translates as string bean.
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Biquinho Pepper: This pepper may be red like fire, but it is actually not spicy at all. In fact, in Brazil it is used for sweet jams or to add a sweet texture to meals. You can find it next to all other peppers. You can check out more from farmers' markets in São Paulo here.
Stephen Grant