Markets

3/13/2015

Most large cities have some form of "farmers' market", usually the open-air type (the most popular). Less common are farmers' markets that are completely contained within a warehouse type building. However, making headway around the world are markets that combine open-air with some portion contained within buildings. Zagreb's market is this latter type, with a twist; it is multi-level. On the lower level is an outdoor flower market and an indoor meat market, while the upper level is the outdoor fruit and vegetable market, with an indoor fish market. The first thing we noticed was the huge size of the fruits. They were immense!!!! (Grapes were the size of golf balls, strawberries were the size of tangerines, and apples and pears were the size of softballs).Manure based composting accounts for the super growth of these fruits. No GMO's are involved. Nothing artificial. Everything comes from small, organic farms with free range chickens and grass fed cows and other farm animals (according to the farmers we met). Family and friends who swear by organic farming techniques might swoon over these sizes (Jessica, you would love roaming through this market). This whole complex probably covers five acres of land, at least, and it is open every day of the week.

Part of the flower market.

...and yet more flowers.

On the same level as the flower market is the meat market, but it is indoors.

Any meat product can be found here.

Cheeses, nuts, eggs, and bread products can also be found in this part of the overall market.

As you climb the stairs to the upper level, you can get a nice view of the flower market.

The upper market containing the fruits and vegetables covers a larger area. During the warm summer months, umbrellas cover all of the venders' locations.