MAGIC MARKETS : why are they so nutritious and how to approach them ..

Markets are my favorite plan whenever I visit a new place and.. whenever ( XD) . I definitely love them and I really think that they are one of the best definitions of real food.. Let me tell you why!

Let's start with the ‘Market folklore’ , everything that makes the market what it is: an infinitive variety of food, spices, fruits, vegetables, natural self care products, animal, seeds , but also a really interesting mix of sounds, colors ,shapes and aromas. Each step taken through the markets can lead to an adventure of trying, buying or listening to a story and generating an exchange that ranges from 30 seconds (using the magical no, thanks) to 30 minutes. Sellers actively offering and really interested on making eye contact, listening and intending their sale makes fills my body with excitement and joy, almost a feeling of hope for humanity... or rather a confirmation that not everything is lost or so dehumanized and that there are many places and spaces where exchange can be real and meaningful. Almost everytime I go to any market I feel free to explore, I feel more available for time. It is as if the immensity of offers and options that unfold before my eyes also granted me the ability to go beyond my own options and limits of time and possibility (something in which I fervently believe and am convinced that we are capable, and it is a great way to remind us). I’m in love with the good mornings, good afternoons, good luck, thank you, come back soon and the smiling faces…

The sense of community that is perceived is wonderful and many times, perhaps surprising, if we are not regular visitors to these spaces. Personally, I think it has to do with the fact that there is more than one position that offers "the same thing", which, instead of increasing competition, relaxes all sellers, understanding that they will eventually sell;I honestly believe that this is one of the condiments that makes the market something totally unique, as social beings the sense of community is truly the greatest food that nourishes our body! On the other hand... this also empowers and in some way drives sellers to new and creative ways of selling, diversity of ways of selling, buying, interacting and and of course, the bonus of new information on uses, properties and recipes of all kinds. Above all, the interaction you have with the people who sell you something that, precisely by being next to each other, they put a lot of intention and attention into being able to make that product something special and different many times and that is also what we buy because if we stop to think it also feeds us this exploration , this wow I'm going to buy because I've already been fed by the story behind. (**)

As for the most factual and earthly, in a market you find, literally, almost everything, because you also find, for example, cleaning products (not to mention if you have already learned to clean with 100% natural elements such as baking soda or vinegar): you also find, body hygiene products and traditional natural sweets and if you are in a somewhat large market, it is very likely that you also have your plant section, clothing (sometimes by chance there are some natural or handmade clothing options! ...sometimes second-hand hand too), handcrafted kitchen items (clay, wood, porcelain) and not to mention the food court. The fascinating thing about these proposals is that the common denominator is that the base is what is AVAILABLE in that region and, therefore, what is CHARACTERISTIC from the place.

My advice: Taking the time to explore, explore and interact in a market taking advantage of these multiple stimuli, instead of feeling overwhelmed by information, is the key to going from the feeling of “this is too much” to “this is incredible”, which It opens the door to nourishing ourselves with these foods: that of each of the senses, the social-community - that type of food for the soul of feeling an experience of expansion when learning about other cultures and other forms. This point of view will give us the power to find what we want or what we cannot find, avoiding buying just because, because of pressure, because we are in a hurry or because it is going to run out (the offer, the food, the time...) . as happens, for example, when shopping online or in supermarkets.

**I would like to make a special mention of the agroecological markets, in wich we can interact with the people who actually produce this food (sow, harvest and sell) and usually involves an entire family, something that the large markets in the city do not happen or practically do not happen, eventhough you can find like small stalls of what the people grow (lets continue this topic in the next entrance! ).

Love, ALIMENTACCION.