Farmers' Market in Castiglion Fiorentino

Emily K: Last Friday, May 30, we went with our Italian teacher, Rossella, to the local farmers' market. It was not only a perfect opportunity for us to practice our newly learned Italian vocabulary, but also to learn about the local agricultural products grown here in Castiglion Fiorentino and the other Tuscan areas. We bought cantaloupe, tomatoes, peaches, strawberries, cherries, lemons, and oranges, all harvested from the area. Safe to say the region is spoiled by the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available! However, this was not always the case. Citruses, for example, are original natives of South East Asia and peaches original natives of China. Fruits and vegetables have been spread across the globe through trade and exploration, and many can now be grown in a multitude of areas. Tuscany's land and climate together make a nice suitor for many plants, so farmers in the region have been able to yield a great variety of delicious tasting products. Personally, I have most gleefully indulged in the wonderfully ripened tomatoes. Whether they be used on a pizza, in pasta, in a salad, or even served wholly on their own, I've never had a tomato more delectable than the ones grown here! <br>