Going clockwise from the top left corner:
white asparagus, white zucchini, purple-hulled peas (more on that below), basil and mint plants, fennel bulbs, round zucchini, and wild asparagus-
and this display is normal!
I think this photograph captures why I love Parisian produce markets. It's a mix of fresh and unusual things that I would never think to look for. My usual routine is to grab a Lebanese flatbread for breakfast (usually thyme-flavored), then slowly walk up and down the market perusing. That way, I enjoy breakfast and get to see all that is being offered before purchasing.
I highly advise going to the Marché Président Wilson on Saturdays. The quality there is outstanding, even if you are paying slightly higher prices. And the more selective the stands are in terms of what they sell, the more likely you are to see unusual things and things just coming into season. Stands which have significantly lower prices tend to sell staple items that they buy in bulk.
Anything that is an unusual color usually captures my eye. While there are many purple flowers out there, purple produce is much more rare. So these peas seemed far to interesting to pass up. I asked the vendor what they were since the sign said écosse, which just means peas or beans. He didn't seem to have any idea, just referring to them as haricots (beans). But then he opened one up to show me and as you can see, they are a beautiful speckled purple inside, like those little Easter egg chocolates with the hard candy shells.
He didn't have to convince me anymore- 1/2 a pound went straight into my shopping bag. If anyone knows the actual name of them, I'd love to know. Since I have some gorgeous purple garlic on hand too, I think I'll sauté the garlic in olive oil, add the cooked beans, and top with some sel de Guérande and amazing fresh parmesan I got from an Italian traiteur at the Richard Lenoir market the other week- I can't wait for dinner!
Ave du Président Wilson, b/t rue Debrousse & Place d'Iéna
Métro: Alma-Marceau, Iéna (note that Iéna is closed for renovation right now)
Wed & Sat mornings until approximately 2PM
Bon Appétit!
Thanks for helping remind me of what makes Paris markets so much fun! Two weeks! :)
Posted by: H | June 10, 2006 at 05:44 AM
Hey Christine! Sounds like a great marché trip you had in the 16e. Did you prefer it to Marché d'Aligre?
Posted by: LPC | June 12, 2006 at 04:40 AM
I think Place d'Aligre is my favorite market. It is so lively and not quite as "proper" as the others. In the summer there are usually people selling flea market types of items and there is a permanent covered market area that I love to roam through. I like the place that sells olive oil from France and Italy that is decanted into glass bottles for you. Afterwards, I love to go to nearby Baron Bouge for a glass of wine and a light snack. It is a funky little bar with barrels of wine from which you can get wine put into bottles to take home.http://travel2.nytimes.com/top/features/travel/destinations/europe/france/paris/entertainment_details.html?vid=1124996087646
Posted by: Linda | June 12, 2006 at 09:55 PM
These look like borlotti beans to me. You can find them at Berkeley Bowl in season. --PR
Posted by: Prabhakar | July 09, 2006 at 12:32 PM
H: Well, it's 3 weeks from now :) Different countdown!
LPC: I think I prefer this for really high-quality produce and d'Aligre for everyday or bulk produce, as the quality is not as good but the prices as much cheaper.
Linda: Thanks for the tip, Baron Bouge sounds great.
Prabhakar: I found out they are cranberry beans!
Posted by: Chez Christine | August 19, 2006 at 07:34 PM