Local Product
Yes
Duration
2:0 Hours
Professional Chef
Yes
Languages
Italian and English
Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the true flavors of Tuscany at the Florence Central Market! During our tour, you'll have the chance to explore the market stalls with a fun and knowledgeable English-speaking guide. You'll learn all about local produce, gourmet foods, cheeses, meats and more. After the market tour, we'll take a short walk to MaMa Florence Cooking School, where you can learn how to prepare some of the most famous Tuscan dishes. This is a truly unforgettable experience that you won't want to miss!
Tour description
The Ultimate Foodie Morning – Exploring Florence Central Market
Before the first apron is tied or the first clove of garlic is crushed at MaMa Florence, the real magic begins in the bustling aisles of the Florence Central Market (Mercato Centrale). Join us for a fascinating morning tour that is a true "foodie dream," designed to immerse you in the sights, sounds, and intoxicating aromas of the city’s culinary heart.
A Glimpse into the Italian Soul
To understand Italian cooking, you must first understand Italian shopping. Our knowledgeable, food-loving guides will lead you through a landscape of stalls heaped with vibrant produce, much of it raised in the "green belt" surrounding Florence and delivered by producers before the break of dawn.
As you navigate the different sections, you will quickly see just how seriously Florentines take their ingredients. It isn't just a market; it’s a daily ritual of quality and community.
What You’ll Discover
Besides farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, this foodie paradise is home to incredible Tuscan gourmet treasures.
-
The Secrets of Pecorino: Which age is the tangiest? And why do some rinds appear black while others are orange?
-
The Vinegar Challenge: Which Balsamic vinegar is velvety enough for drizzling on gelato, and which belongs in a salad?
A Hands-On Connection
This isn't just a sightseeing tour; it is a scouting mission. You will learn about the very ingredients you will soon be using in your hands-on cooking class at MaMa Florence. Along the way, you might score a sample or two from our favorite vendors, or perhaps find the perfect artisanal souvenir to tuck into your suitcase.
From Market to MaMa
Once your senses are full and your questions are answered, you’ll enjoy a leisurely 20-minute stroll through the historic streets of Florence, arriving at our school just in time to start your culinary transformation.
From Market to MaMa
Once your senses are full and your questions are answered, you’ll enjoy a leisurely 20-minute stroll through the historic streets of Florence, arriving at our school just in time to start your culinary transformation.
Important Information
- Shared Kitchen and Tools: Our kitchen and tools are shared by participants. Cross-contamination is possible. Classes are NOT suitable for individuals with SEVERE or life-threatening allergies. Please prioritize safety before enrolling.
- Dietary Requirements:
- Vegetarian Options: Can be easily accommodated.
- Other Dietary Needs: For vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free requirements, please inquire prior to booking.
- Minimum Enrollment:
- General: A minimum enrollment of 3 people is required for course activation.
- Sundays: A minimum enrollment of 5 people is required.
- Options if Minimum Not Met: If the minimum is not reached, you will have the option to:
- Pay an additional fee to reach minimum
- Make the class private
- Change to another available date
- Receive a full refund
- Special Requests: If a specific class is not listed on our calendar, let us know and we will try to activate it for your desired date.
- Seasonal Ingredients: We use fresh, seasonal ingredients from trusted local suppliers and farms. The cooking class menu will vary depending on what is available that day.
- Allergies and Preferences: It is essential to email us ahead of time with any food allergies or preferences so we can verify if we can accommodate them.
- Private Classes: If you would like to make this a private class for you and your group, please get in touch for details.
FAQs
We recommend arriving approximately 10-15 minutes prior to class
No, you do not need to bring any tools or resources; all the materials, tools, and ingredients needed for the courses will be provided by the school and are included in the fee.
Class duration, including meal, is approximately 3.5 hours
Yes, you will be eating the dishes you prepared after about 2 hours of preparation. For the menu structure please check the class description.
It is essential that you email us ahead of time with any food allergies or preferences you may have so we can let you know if we can accommodate them. We will not be able to accommodate special dietary needs without notice on-spot because ingredients and setting are prepared in advance.
Yes, all joinable classes are suitable for kids 6 and above as long as they are under parent supervision. Pasta and Pizza classes are the most suitable.
If you are taking a private class we can accommodate also younger children but we will need to know in advance.
Recipes of all the dishes you’ve prepared emailed to you
A tasting of Prosecco and two fine Italian wines during your meal
Pictures are allowed and encouraged! Our instructors love it when you feel that a dish is camera worthy, so please click away!
Comfortable clothing and shoes (you’ll stand up while cooking). Rings and bracelets need to be removed during preparation. If you have long hair please tie it.
No previous experience is required! We encourage you to ask questions if there is something you don’t understand.
