Move Over Whole Foods Market: Escazu, Costa Rica's Saturday Market will Delight your Senses
Whether living or visiting in Costa Rica's Central Valley be certain not to miss Escazu's Saturday Market. Since I have been living in Latin America, I've become a Food Market Junkie and let me tell you the market in Central Escazu, situated in the town square is a treat for the senses! Protected and blessed by the sculptures of onlooking Religious Saints at the Catholic Church, who needs the FDA stamp of approval?
The Escazu Market features incredibly fresh fruits and vegetables direct from Central Valley farms. Over the years including several years owning a restaurant in Escazu, we have developed loyalty to our favorite and colorful vendors. There's the Strawberry Woman, the Orchid Man and Mario, whose farm used to adjoin our property when we lived further up in the Escazu mountains. Every Friday Afternoon, Mario would play festive music as he loaded his vegetable truck - our auditory signal that the weekend was indeed here. Now I'll admit we used to get excited about the misting vegetable machines at Super Fresh Markets when I lived in Pennsylvania and still treat myself when I'm in The States to a visit to the local Specialty Foods markets like "Whole Foods" .I do this just to see the immense varieties of organic and healthy food options available in North America. However, Barry and I gasp at the prices! After many years of living in Latin America, I guess we have sticker shock. For example, today's Saturday market bill was under $10.00 and that's with a huge inventory of items needed for a party we are hosting on Tuesday Night.
But it's more than the freshness and the pricing that makes Latin American Food Markets and The Escazu Market in particular such a treat. The Saturday Market is where everyone on the mountain celebrates the end of another work week. Musicians play, Neighbors Exchange News and it seems we all look up to the towering Escazu Mountains. Gracias "El Senor" for another day in tropical paradise.
For more information on living or retiring in Costa Rica, pick up a copy of this month's Residents Association Magazine. Rosemary has authored an article on the top 10 reasons why she and her husband moved from the United States to Costa Rica over 10 years ago.
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