For the last two weeks (August 2 and 9, 2008), Mexico Cooks! shopped around Morelia's tianguis (street markets) to see which late-summer vegetables were available. This week, let's have a look at seasonal fruits.
Duraznos (peaches) from near Uruapan are here, priced at 22 pesos the kilo.
Locally grown granadas (pomegranates) are starting to ripen. We buy them whole or buy just the seeds, packed in plastic cups. These whole granadas were priced at 10 pesos per kilo.
Local figs, 20 pesos the kilo. The flesh of these huge figs was bursting through the skin.
Limón criollo (Key limes) are almost always a bargain. The vendor priced these at eight pesos per kilo.
Mango season is drawing to a close. This large Paraíso variety currently costs 15 pesos for two kilos.
It's always a good idea to ask if produce is imported or grown in Mexico. These apples from the state of Chihuahua cost 24 pesos the kilo. Red Delicious apples, imported from Washington State, cost 34 pesos per kilo.
Mexican-grown melón chino (canteloupe) is always sweet and fragrant if you know how to shop for it. Heavy weight for size indicates lots of juice; rich, melon-y fragrance at the stem end tells you your choice is truly ripe when you buy it. These weigh at least two kilos each and cost 11 pesos per kilo.
Next week: more seasonal fruits.
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The fruits are delicious looking it reminds me that I have a few peaches left to pick and also my small green apples. Very nice pictures.
Posted by: gloria | August 19, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Those photos just make me ache for Mexico. I can imagine myself in the market right now stopping to enjoy a little cup of pomegranate seeds.
Posted by: shelora sheldan | August 19, 2008 at 01:14 PM
I had given up on finding good melons long before I came to Mexico. Up north, they always seem to be picked underripe. I solved the problem then by growing my own. But the melons I see in the markets this week look so good, I'm going to give bought melons another try. Thanks for the weight-for-size tip.
Posted by: john | August 19, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Oh, dear me! You've gone and made my mouth water seeing those mangos and figs! And Pomegranites! Oh absolute heavenly it must be living there.
Posted by: YayaOrchid | August 17, 2008 at 12:21 AM
I was thinking about whether or not to go to the Saturday Market this morning. Then I looked at your great photographs. I will not find any of these fruits in Salem, but I can buy some great nectarines. You have inspired me to go. I may just take the camera.
Posted by: steve Cotton | August 16, 2008 at 11:58 AM