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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

The Large and Lively Puebla Market

Puebla, Mexico

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

All around the world, Billy and I love to visit the food markets. Whether it's Thailand, Vietnam, Guatemala, Europe or Mexico, these markets are the places where the locals purchase their food and sundries.

Unlike the grocery stores in the US, foods and products are open-air. They are not Cryovac'd into a plastic package, sanitized or hidden from view.

You will see life, in all its splendor and variety.

Come. Take a look!

Shrimp at Puebla, Mexico market

Fresh shrimp

Here you see fresh shrimp with the heads still on. This "proves" their freshness, as when shrimp start to age, it affects the head of this animal first.

These shrimp go for just under $7USD per kilo.

Pig's head in market, Puebla, Mexico

Pig's head with cilantro in its mouth

 

 

 

 

When an animal forfeits its life for us to feed ourselves, the locals and those chefs in-the-know utilize everything.

No part of an animal is wasted and this is how respect is given back to that animal for its sacrifice.

Were you ever curious how French pate or the famous sausages in Germany or Italy got that amazing flavor?

Terrines, aspic, confit, the vast arrays of meats and spreads displayed on charcuterie platters, an exceptional broth, bisque or Cassoulet all require parts of the animal that many simply throw away - to acquire that amazing flavor.

If you speak to any Chef (and I happen to be married to one)... they might share their secrets with you on how these flavors are captured.

This little piggie did go to market.

International food offerings, market in Puebla, Mexico

International food offerings

The yellow sign advertises a "Variety in Pozoles" and lists the different styles.

This pork and hominy stew is the Mexican version, but here you see an Aztec, grandmother, the pearl, the farmer and other styles offered.

Pozole originated with the Aztecs and other Meso-American tribes and was made with um... human flesh... and eaten on special occasions.

I think it's probably safe to say there are no human parts in this pozole.

The orange sign advertises "Pan Arabe" which we know as pita bread.

Arab immigration to Mexico started in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and has influenced Mexican culture, in particular food. We saw Pan Arabe and Tacos Arabes throughout Puebla.

Papel picado, Market, Puebla, Mexico

Papel Picado hanging from the ceilings

Considered to be a Mexican Folk Art, these intricate cut papers are made with hammers and chisels pounded into stacks of colored tissue paper.

While often used on altars and for special holidays, we see them in the streets of Mexico strung together to create a banner. These banners can either be hung across alleyways or displayed in the home.

The pork section of the market in Puebla, Mexico

The pork section of the market

There's lots going on here at this pork stand.

On the left you have a tub of lard with a spoon sticking out. Above that tub are bags of lard for sale (you can see these in the next pork stand also).

Hanging on the rail there is a slab of bacon with a smoked pork loin underneath it, then very large pork steaks and pork ribs.

Above this is some chorizo, and then at the very end you'll see some longaniza draping down in long tubes.

Roasted chicken at the market in Puebla, Mexico

Roasted chicken stand

These roasted chickens are great. You can purchase one roasted chicken (with rice, tortillas and salsa) for $4.50USD, or save $0.75 per chicken and buy 2 of them at once (with all the fixin's) for $7.50.

In the stainless steel tubs below are various side dishes or chicken in sauces.

Chocolate for sale in market, Puebla, Mexico

Packages of local chocolate

These are rounds of locally made chocolate.

One baggie has dark chocolate the the other may have less sugar or more milk added to it. The bites are free to taste.

The round in the middle of the basket is pressed chocolate, packaged by 6 in each of the wrapped packages behind it. These rounds are further divided into 6 servings for hot chocolate.

Normally this is not the chocolate that you eat straight out like a bon-bon. These are made especially for adding to hot milk or water, stirred vigorously until it foams as it heats.

spices for sale at market, Puebla, Mexico

Spices for sale by the bag

Various spices purchased by the bag. Achiote is ground annato seeds used to give food a yellow or reddish coloring. Comino is cumin, there is ground and whole cloves, mint, oregano, anise and some kind of mixed, ground spices specially made for "Arabian meat."

smoked pork loin for sale market in Puebla, Mexico

Smoked pork loin

A close up of loins of pork that have been smoked. When you slice this loin, the pieces then become smoked pork chops.

Pork stand in Puebla Market,  Mexico

More pork!

Pork is an affordable, popular and tasty protein for families.

In the back, on the right, you see a grinder. This makes for ground pork or for sausage.

I have found that when I order "hamburger" I must specify pork or beef, or a mixture, and then I give percentages of each.

Cilantro hangs down from the display counter.

Pork stand, Puebla market, Mexico

Beef Stall!

Just like home, there may be a number of reasons why you might choose one butcher over another for similar products. Maybe his stand is cleaner, maybe he gives you special prices and deals, maybe he gives you an extra "pinch" of something you ordered.

It's possible he will do special requests for you or let you know when his new shipment comes in.

Butcher in Puebla Market, Mexico

Proud and happy butcher in Puebla Market

Every butcher is proud of his work, otherwise they would not have chosen this career.

One thing for certain, their families will not go hungry.

Butchers at meat market in Puebla, Mexico

A couple of "hams"

Ok, so a bad pun there...

These men are happy to be working.

In Mexico, it is very common to ask someone "how are you today?" and their response is "I'm working!!" Which basically means... How could it get any better?

Chickens on display, Puebla Market, Mexico

Chickens on display

Well, at least we moved on from the pork area!

Another very common custom is to purchase the whole bird, head and feet still attached.

This is also proving to the customer that the poultry is fresh.

Growing up I used to visit my Grandmother and she'd have various pots on the stove, with chicken feet sticking out of the top. Not only do the feet add flavor, but it gives the soup or broth some body.

Chicken necks are also a very popular item to eat, just like chicken wings.

Again... nothing goes to waste. Must respect that animal's life.

Butcher skinning a pig, Puebla Market, Mexico

A butcher utilizing his skill

In the States and Canada, it's easy to forget where our food comes from.

For those who have never lived on a farm or raised turkeys or chickens for personal consumption, they might think that food simply appears in the grocery meat market counters. All nice and tidy, plastic-wrapped and in portions.

These are the men who make that happen.

Here this butcher is trimming the fat from the pig's body to make lard before he portions out  his product to be sold.

Butcher cutting up a cow, Puebla Market, Mexico

Cutting up a cow

 

 

 

 

This man's hands were working so fast that I took several photos trying to get a clear picture of them. But they continued to be a whirly blur.

Butchers must also be strong in order to carry these large animals to hang them up on the hook. They must not only be skilled with a knife, but they must know how the animal is made so that he is able to present fine looking product to sell.

Head cheese in Puebla Market, Mexico

Head Cheese

Originating in Europe during the Middle Ages, Head Cheese is considered to be a delicacy.

Traditionally, it is made from chopped and boiled pig’s head meat, which is then formed into a jellied loaf. Often times, it includes pig’s feet, tongue and heart.

I saw a recipe the other day for a “Head Cheese Bun,” which contains fried head cheese, watermelon kimchi and basil lime caesar dressing.

I'm not a big fan of Head Cheese, but I think I would try that one with the watermelon kimchi.

Walking around, we were offered pickled pork's head also. It had an odd texture, as you can imagine, but the flavor was really good!

Going to a Farmer's Market in the middle of any country we visit is always an interesting and eye-opening experience.

If you are ever in Puebla, Mexico, spend an hour or so walking through their markets.

For more photos and stories on Mexico, CLICK HERE

VIDEOS, VIDEOS, VIDEOS! See Mexico for yourself! Beaches, Bars, Babes, Great Food, Live Music.

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About the Authors

 
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

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