Hello to everyone I am leaving Apr. 1st for Tuscany and Umbria. This is my first slow travel trip and I was wondering if any of you can answer some questions re: grocery shopping: Do they have American type coffee in the super markets (coffee that is not espresso)? If so, about how much a pound is it? How much would I pay for 1/2lb. of prosciutto? I'm just curious I pay $21. lb here for parma prosciutto. How late are supermarkets open. I would appreciate any info you can give me. kam1
Hi folks, Thank you for responding to my inquiries. But I must say I'm completely confused now. Since 1 lb. = 2.2 kilos, 1 kilo is a little less than 1/2 lb. How could parma prosciutto be 20-25 euros per kilo? That would be the equivalent of $40-60 a pound? On the other hand Bill and Patti, you say it's approximately $6.25 for 1/2 lb., this sounds a little more likely. I couldn't possibly be getting P. proscuitto here in the states for less than it costs in Italy! Well at any rate, thank you for answering my questions. I have found everyone on this board to be very helpful. kam1
Don't forget to check the information we have on Slow Traveler. There are great notes on food shopping in Italy. I was so glad to have read these notes before my trip so I knew to price my produce before going to the checkout. There are many other helpful tips on ordering in delis, etc.
The confusion is because the ratio you're using is backwards. One kilo equals 2.2 pounds.
With regard to the American style coffee, you might simply pack the type you like.
You will have fun shopping for groceries. It's likely explained here on this website. When buying fruits and vegetables in a largish grocery store such as a COOP or Esselunga, you weigh the items yourself and attach the price tag. The scales have little pictures of what you're buying. You press the matching picture and the label with the price comes out.
Picnic ordering: An etto is a tenth of a Kg. which is equal to about 3.5 ounces-a nice serving size for 1-2 people. And very handy when ordering at the salumeria or supermercato to indicate how much you want ie. un etto or due etti etc.
Posts: 182 | Location: Leesburg, FL 34788 USA | Registered: 16 October 2003
Don't forget that in small towns in Tuscany (and probably the same in Umbria), all shops will close for the afternoon from about 1:00 - 4:00 or 5:00, then re-open for a couple of hours. And they will have one early closing day where none of the food shops will re-open for the afternoon. This is hard for North Americans to adjust to, being used to those 24/7 grocery shop hours. Marie Marko
Hello to all, How dumb of me, I had my equasion backwards! Thanks to all for straightening me out. I'm not usually this dense but I guess I just can't think about anything except going to Italy!
I had read the info on the markets and shopping in Italy quite awhile ago and it was very informative. I do remember that the markets close at lunch but we will be driving around in the day and it won't be problem to stop late in the afternoon to pick up something for dinner. I know about ordering by the etto from some of the books I purchased for research on the trip. I was curious to know how much certain groceries would be compared to here in the states. Well thank you all again. I do appreciate all the info you give so kinkly. kam1
Dear Kam1 Oh, how I love to shop in Italy! Everything is so fresh. The blood oranges...Those beautiful strawberries in the tiny blue plastic containers... The yogurt...
Don't forget--in the neighborhood groceries Don't touch the fruits & veggies.
AnneMarie
Posts: 67 | Location: New Orleans, USA | Registered: 16 April 2003
AnneMarie I did read about produce and using plastic gloves and being an rn I was very impressed that they would use this method, after all hands always carry germs. looking forward to shopping in Italy.
Gloria When I say American coffee, I don't mean American brands, I meant ground coffee beans, not the espresso type that is generally used in Italy. Espresso is just too strong for me! Just wondering what I would buy to make a regular cup of coffee. Someone mentioned to bring my own and I think that is a good idea. Thank for your responses. kam1
On another note - when I arrive in Rome on a Sunday and settle into my apartment while I be able to shop for food. The apartment is neat the Vatican. Thanks in advance. Judie
Posts: 228 | Location: Racine, WI | Registered: 20 August 2003
Re. coffee, any torrefazione can grind beans to suit whatever coffee-making method you use. They usually also have a choice of lighter or darker roasts. So if you get a lightish roast and have it ground correctly, you've got a pretty good approximation of American coffee.
I stayed in an apartment a few blocks north of the Vatican last spring and it was difficult to find a mercato open on Sunday - we got by for the day with what we could get in the small shop on the corner (milk, bread, cereal).
There is a large supermarket on Via Cola Di Rienzo in the basement of a department store (sorry, I can't remember the name). If you are standing in Piazza del Risorgimento (near the vatican museums) and look down the road toward the Tevere river, the store will be on your left about halfway down the street (four or five blocks would be my guess).
A fallback (desperation) option is the market in the Spagna metro station. It's not exactly in the station but in an underground mall attached to the station. You can access it from the street at Porta Pinciana (go down the steps into the station) or from the metro by following the escalators up toward Villa Borghese. It would require a ride on the metro with your groceries but it has everything.
ellen
Posts: 3020 | Location: mahwah, new jersey, usa | Registered: 10 December 2003
Hi- Just a little clarification about buying produce...yes, you use the plastic gloves in the supermarkets (wish they did that here!), but if you shop at a produce store (frutta e verdura) or a market, you DON'T pick out your own items- instead ask for what you need and the owner/clerk will get it for you. Touching the produce yourself in this kind of store is one way I know to get an Italian to scold you
Posts: 605 | Location: Rehoboth, MA USA | Registered: 30 August 2003
quote:Originally posted by kam1: Espresso is just too strong for me!kam1
If you are referring to the taste, I agree with you that it can be stronger. If you are referring to the caffeine content, actually a cup of American coffee has more, not only because the amount of coffee, but also because the powder is steeped for longer.
About the frutta e verdura and having them pick out the items. If you don't have a relationship with the owner/clerk, make sure you [respectfully] show them which particular fruit you want OR ask them if you can touch it to see how ripe it is. Oftentimes they pick the fruit that will be too far gone by the time you get home! This is especailly true in areas with a high tourist concentration. For obvious reasons they don't want 1000 people touching their goods all day, but if you can build a relationship during the time that you are there, they will sometimes let you pick your own. (In my experience in smaller towns.)
I am jealous of everyone going so soon. I can't go until maybe July, maybe October......sigh. I guess I'll go downstairs now to make my caffe. Only consolation!
Hello to all Thank you so much for giving me such great tips. I'll definitely keep them in mind. Would anybody know what types of fresh fruit will be available in early April? I hadn't planned on there being much fresh produce so early in the spring! kam1
quote:Originally posted by kam1: Would anybody know what types of fresh fruit will be available in early April? I hadn't planned on there being much fresh produce so early in the spring!
Name it, you'll find it. yet, most of the fruit available will be import from South America, Australia or Africa. Right now, we have oranges for the whole summer and peaches for the whole winter. They are still better when in season, but they are available for the whole year. Spring fruits include oranges, some kinds of apple (check out for small and tart Annurca apples!) and pear, strawberries and several kids of other berries...
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