When I was a kid growing up in Northern Vermont in the 60's and 70's, tacos were exotic and clementines came in special order boxes at Christmas. I was the only kid in my school who knew what a pomegranate was, and they were available about two weeks out of the year.
Today my corner grocery has two sections for hispanic foods -- one section for the tex-mex derivatives, and one that is roughly divided between central America and Brazil.
Since I found out that my new landlord is fond of flan, but never makes it because it takes so long, I have been thinking about trying out microwave flan on him. Yes, I know, this is not slow food, but it is another sort of kitchen liberation!
Traditional flan is a baked egg custard with a brulee, a carmelize sugar top. But a comfort-food version can be made with a can of evaporated milk, a can of sweetened condensed milk, and a microwave.
Here's where the discount comes in. In my local supermarket, in the section with evaporated milk, a can of sweetened condensed milk is about $2.70. In the real-hispanic food section, it's half that.
It's also true that beans and rice and several kinds of jelly are cheaper, refried beans are the same price (but better!), and it goes on.
I find the same thing when I make a periodic expedition to the Super88, our Boston asian supermarket. There are things I might pay ten times as much in a mainstream supermarket here, of equal quality. The vegetables are cheaper and superior.
Between Haymarket and the "ethnic" markets, I probably spend more valuable time shopping than I save in groceries. But it's the joy of the hunt. And also, my pantry is my palette -- food is my art as much as my writing.
Visiting the markets, really learning the ingredients available even at your local supermarket, will help you create more interesting dishes, and keep engaged in our changing culture.
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 7
I totally agree. For those Bostonians that don't go to the 88, your missing out on a treat. Ton's more selection, great prices, more than just "Kikoman," -- every possible thing (the only place I can find Lemongrass)... and you can even find parking (sometimes - but never on Sunday).
I love how cultural diversity has affected markets. What, 30 years ago, the small Chun King display was _the_ Asian food section. Now I can have my pick of a bounty of fresh veggies and a wild array of spices and sauces.
"my pantry is my palette" *happy sigh* Thank you for sharing this article, Shava.
However, I'll save the sweet stuff to mix with Droeste's Cocoa until it's dark dark brown, and use that for hot cocoa mix. Yum! Or for Vietnamese coffee.
Did I mention that at the Super88, sweetened condensed milk is often right around $1/can? Look out for the "filled dairy product" version, though -- this is the "american cheese food" of sweetened condensed milk -- filled with extra water and oil.
Now if only there was a good certification for Indian and Thai...