On Fridays, big rush always prevails in the market-hall of Funchal (mercado dos lavradores), because that is the official market-day,
at which many farmers and dealers offer their merchandise. Since this is also a touristic topic,
immense crowd comes up in the roofless foyer. Nevertheless, it is a must to be there - nowhere else you can marvel
at the luxuriant variety of fruit and vegetables, that is grown virtually over the whole year.
Anonas, papayas, Brazilian cherries, passion-fruit,... the offer is almost infinite.
A very special small fruit, that conquers the heart of many visitors of the island Madeira at once,
is the "Madeira-banana". The size of this fruit ranges between
"normal" and the " baby-banana", from South American countries.
The very special about it is it's taste. Try to imagine,
approximately half size, but double taste - can't believe? Try them - if you are of other opinion,
you can write me... : -)
If you want to taste the pleasure of this unique fruit, you must come to Madeira, or at least to the Portuguese
mainland, because you won't get it in "Rest-Europe". The reason for this is a
rather questionable EC-norm, that has fixed a minimum-size for bananas produced in Europe.
And the Madeira-banana simply doesn't just reach this size. Therefore, it is not available besides on Madeira and the other
regions belonging to Portugal. In contrast to the essentially smaller variation from Chile which you can buy
nearly everywhere - crazy, ain't it?
Also the flower-variety of the island is shown here. The vendors clothed in Madeira-aspirations can pack them
as a souvenir in boxes suitable for the home-flight. You also can buy only the
seeds.
In the basement of the foyer, you find the fish-market. Here is everything to have, what the fish-lover-heart covets. The size of the tuna, that is fished here, is especially imposing. The tuna-steak ("bife de atum") is very commendable. Also the Espada (black scabbard-fish) is available here. The nearly endemic fish, since it is to be found besides in the waters about Madeira only in Japan, is a real highlight in its variety of makings. The "espada com banana" is especially popular, a fried variation with above mentioned banana. Sounds strange, but you should try however - it tastes fantastic. Actually, the Espada is also a good tip for persons who normally don't like fish at all. It distinguishes itself through his (compared to other kinds) very mild, unobtrusive taste.
The fish-market in Funchal. You find it in the basement of the "Mercado".
"bife de atum", a tuna-specialty on Madeira.
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