In late October just a few years ago, Mexico Cooks! went to the Mercado de Jamaica specifically to find flowers and decorative items to build a home altar for the Day of the Dead. We found exactly what we wanted, but that became our secondary objective once we passed into the produce section of the market.
Many of Mexico City's markets use this sort of printed sign to advertise the price of what's for sale–in this case, vine-ripened Roma tomatoes–and every sign has a bit of advice to offer about your potential purchase. I've loved these signs since long before living in Mexico's capital. On this market jaunt, the lightbulb went on: all of you would love these typical and sometimes funny signs, too. This one urges, "Don't think about it too much…take home a little kilo!".
For already-cut-up calabaza de castilla (a huge, hard-shell Mexican squash): 'money well spent'.
For limón criollo (Mexican Key limes): I'll be right with you!
Limas–and there really is no translation for this uniquely Mexican fruit. They are neither limes nor lemons, nor are they oranges. But as the sign says: it's scrumptious!
Chile jalapeño: pretty and cheap, at four pesos the quarter kilo.
White potatoes for 10 pesos the kilo: smile.
Beautiful crisp cucumbers: ask for more.
At six pesos the kilo: 'Don't look any further!'
These are tunas–fruit of the nopal cactus–that the sign says are "chingonas". Chingonas is Mexican slang for bad ass!
This merchant is offering his chiles jalapeños at 14 pesos the kilo: 'Like you saw on TV'.
This sign is my current favorite. "Ni hablar mujer" means 'Lady, don't even talk about it!'. The phrase is also part of a Pedro Infante song.
Next year, plan to come along with us to this marvelous market. Ahorita la atiendo!
Looking for a tailored-to-your-interests specialized tour in Mexico? Click here: Tours.
Leave a Reply