Visiting the Food Market of Asti


Today we had the opportunity to meet Mayor Maurizio Rasero at the Municipio di Asti. With the help of our tour guide, Matteo, we were able to have a brief conversation with him about the history and importance of the city, such as the fact that Asti was recently recognized by UNESCO.


Next we visited the food market where Matteo informed us about the variety of cheeses, meats, and produce available. The most expensive cheese (selling at 29 euros per kilogram) was il castelmagno, which is made from cows who are grass-fed in the Alps, at least 2,000 feet above the ground. Fruits at the market were extremely fresh. Unlike in the United States, they were not grown with the aid of chemical preservatives. We all enjoyed eating the fruit, with strawberries seeming to be the most popular amongst the group.

In the afternoon, we went to a farm that raised cows, pigs, bunnies, sheep, peacocks, horses, ox, a goat, and more. Some of us were surprised to learn that peacocks are eaten in Italy. Much like our visit to another farm earlier in the week, we also ate a delicious farm-to-table meal. This consisted of breads, potatoes, and a variety of meats, including kabobs, ribs, steaks, and more.

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