Lampredotto: a taste of Florence at the Mercato Centrale
Italy is known around the world for its amazing, mouth-watering, cuisine. Each city has its own special delights, and Florence has several of them at every corner. From one block to the next, cafes, bars, and restaurants draw in hungry patrons with famous delicacies. It can be puzzling for those who want to try everything and anything.
There is a lot to explore, but one must-see area of wonder for tourists and locals alike is Mercato Centrale. It is there that visitors can find one of Florence’s most interesting dishes, lampredotto.
Mercato Centrale is in the vibrant San Lorenzo district in Florence. It was erected almost 150 years ago, in 1874. Its design was created by Giuseppe Mengoni, also known to have designed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a glorious market in Milan. Its history is apparent from the outside in, fitting in with Florence’s signature beauty.
Today, its iron gates are impressive even while half-hidden behind dozens of street stands of leather bags and trinkets.
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Inside, there are two levels that each hold their own charm. The ground floor is a vast farmer’s market, open in the early mornings and afternoons. On this level, there are several stands with local fruits and vegetables. Perusers can find packs of homemade pastas and fresh-cut meats dotted between them. There are even a few stands of hot and ready delicacies and pastries, many of which have been perfecting their craft for decades. One can wander from stand to stand and fill up a tote full of farm fresh goods.
The level above is open until the evening and resembles a grand food court. Hungry visitors can sample several street foods all in one bustling location. There is a surplus of choices and tempting smells, all vying for attention. Like the stands below, many of them have been open for generations. Luckily, our team offers certified tour guides to lead guests on a delicious food tour. Guests can feel assured that they will try the best that Mercato Centrale can offer.
One of our stops is at the local lampredotto panino vendor. For those who haven’t tried it before, they are in for a treat! Lampredotto is the meat that comes from the fourth stomach of a cow.
Its origins are centuries old. It started as peasants’ take on a dish created for nobles. That cuisine was created from eel, or “lampreda” which created a folded effect. However, working-class Italians often had easier access to less popular cuts of meat.
They often veered towards the liver, heart, or stomach. With their more limited resources, they bought what they could and made something new and wonderful. Now, lampredotto has solidified itself as an essential part of Florentine culture.
Lampredotto is prepared by boiling the fourth stomach and seasoning it to perfection. The result is tender, juicy, and flavorful. Then the buns are bathed in the tripe broth, adding to their unique taste. The cut of meat curves like an eel, to resemble lampreda. Modern visitors may find that it reminds them of roast beef.
Diners can get their panino with salsa verde, which is a green sauce with parsley. They can also try a slightly spicier version with salsa picante, which is a sauce with chili oil.
For visitors who may be hesitant to try a dish unlike what they are used to seeing, a lampredotto panino is a great way to try something new. It looks delicious, smells inviting, and has the taste of Florence in every bite. In Mercato Centrale, one can revel in the city’s deep history.
Italy is both an ancient and lively place to be. There is much to see, do, and taste. With an open mind and heart, visitors will be able to discover an experience they might never have imagined.
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