Santiago’s La Vega Central Market

HAPPENINGS

I spent the morning in La Vega Central, where locals and tourists will find the largest food market in Santiago. It is set up like a carnival with around 1500 food vendors offering up the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and eggs. Most produce sold here is grown in the Chilean Central Valley. You can order up hot snacks and freshly squeezed juices suitable for any mealtime. Avoid the weekends… it’s bumper to bumper. One person in our group picked up a couple of pork chops for $2 U.S. Everything is far cheaper and much fresher than anything you can buy at a Santiago JUMBO store.

STREET SMARTS & TIPS 

I have yet to find any packaged organic lettuce whose labeling translates into “triple washed”. I’ve bought plenty of beautiful, summer grown fresh fruits and vegetables since I’ve been here, however, looks can be deceiving. Any produce is capable of carrying unwanted bacteria. Some of the best advice I received was from my daughter, Karen, who recommended that I use a product designed to remove bacteria from fruits and vegetables. In an unfamiliar land, one can never be too safe!