Nourish the Budding Lotus

La Fierucola

The Fierucola dates back to “times unmemorable” as is described on their official website.  It is originally connected to a tradition of the farmers who lived in the countryside and would come into the city on the evening of September 7th to celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary.  They would pilgrimage to the church of SS Annunziata spend the evening in the church, cloisters, and square singing, praying, playing music and dancing.  The next day in addition to the religious celebration, the farmers would set up tables and sell their homemade creations, breads, gathered mushrooms etc.  This was just the beginning of a tradition that eventually would become the Fierucola markets of Florence today.

La Fierucola and La Fierucolina occur once per month (respectively) in the city of Florence.  These markets are like a festival for organic foods, baked goods, fair trade products and artisanal creations.  Visiting this market was always one of the highlights of the month for me when I lived in Florence, and every time I return, visiting La Fierucola is a top priority.

Personally, the food is the best part for me.  It is apparent that the vendors aim to offer quality organic foods and in addition there are elements of “la vita vernacolare”.  Necci (shown above) are a type of crepe made of chestnut flour and water, a traditional snack/dessert from the area of Pistoia.  These crepe have an earthy and slightly sweet taste from the chestnut flour, are naturally gluten-free and quite filling (with or without the ricotta).

You will have your choice of a variety of organic, homemade cheeses at this market.  The pecorino (above), made from sheep milk is a specialty of Tuscany and don’t just buy the first one you see…sample a few because they are all aged to different levels and seasoned in different ways.  At La Fierucola you are likely to find many made with raw milk as well…all the better to digest!

The markets abound with fresh breads made of rye, spelt, kamut, whole grain and more.  Whole grain pastries, savory snacks, cookies, pasta…  Also preserves, jams, honeys, sauces, spreads, pestos, soups…  The list goes on.  And of course, Olive Oil…  Local, organic, fresh Olive Oil.

Once you have tasted the specialties of the month, and purchased a few packages to bring home, be sure to check out the local artisans as well.  La Fierucola has themes every month to celebrate the harvests as well as to feature different artisanal products.  In November, when I was visiting, the focus was on linen, wool and clothing creations.

Apart from the specialty vendors, there are also mainstays of the market, like the woman below who creates baskets and wreaths from dried plants.  She is quite a talented artist, and I have always admired her work.  Hopefully one day I will figure out how to transport one of these beautiful creations back home with me (once I have a home to hang it in).

If you are interested in finding out more on the Fierucola, be sure to check out their website.  It is currently only in Italian so if you just want to go check out the market when you are in town you will find it in Santo Spirito on the 3rd Sunday of every month (except August) and in SS Annunziata on the 1st weekend of the month from September through December.