I wrote a post yesterday about the produce, fruits and veggies at the market. Their beauty and abundance consumed me. But there were so many other delightful things. So today, I’ll write about more goodies from Birgu market, the bread, seafood, antipasti & flowers.
Bread
With Easter fast approaching, I have noticed some traditional baked goods around town that I am not familiar with. I think many of us have all seen a hot cross bun. But have you tried a fresh baked European one? Not I, but this was the perfect opportunity to change that.
Also for sale are large circular loaves of bread with almonds baked into the top. The ones available at the market were so fresh and the most beautiful shade of golden brown.
Other stalls were selling regular wrapped loaves of bread and different varieties of dried baked goods, almost like crackers or biscuits.
Seafood
Oh I was not expecting to see fish! At the end of one street, were three tables, all selling beautiful fresh seafood! In addition to several types of smaller size fish, were squid, shrimp and octopus. Everything looked as fresh as can be. With Malta being an island, and Birgu being near a fishing port, there was bound to be the freshest catch of the day.
Antipasti
A few stalls were selling what I’m referring to here as antipasti, so cured olives, various vegetable salad mixes, fresh local cheese and even salt cod and cold cooked shrimp. My mouth was watering as I imagined what I would love to have for an afternoon snack or perhaps an evening charcuterie.
I must mention the snails! One vendor had large bread bags, full of live snails! There were some escape artists to be sure, but most seemed contained in the bags. They were fairly small, not the large escargot I think of when I dine at restaurants. I loved them and wanted to buy a bag just to set them free. I also secretly had a little chat with a fellow who had almost wriggled free, wishing him well on his journey.
Flowers
Ok I have saved the best for last. I was overwhelmed by the spring flowers and plants. More than a few vendors were selling houseplants, and outdoor potted plants. So many cut flowers were available, it was glorious. Seeing people walking with small bundles in their hands, only costing 1 or 1.5 Euros for a bouquet was very charming.
I will never tire of seeing and being surrounded by flowers. They make me completely happy. The colours were vibrant and perfect for spring and Easter. I’ll let the pictures tell their tale.
Once again, I have successfully found a market and shopped with the locals. I thrive in this environment. All things I see are like a child seeing candy for the first time. My eyes hunger for local goods and products, beautiful real people, and I always leave a market with a full heart.
