GT Digital
Mapusa Market is a bustling haven for shoppers, offering a vibrant mix of traditional Goan items. Unique indigenous produce, healthy and culturally important, is also available here.
Among the local produce, fov (beaten rice), ragi (millets) and red parboiled rice stand out for their nutritional value and distinct flavours, making them a must-buy for health-conscious shoppers.
Shoppers can also find local medicinal herbs used in traditional kadas (brews), which are remedies for common ailments like colds, stomach issues and kidney stones, among others.
Women from distant villages bring fresh produce from their fields, including yams, bananas and other local fruits, each offering a unique taste that reflects the rich agricultural heritage of Goa.
Different varieties of bananas grown in Goa can be found here too, like the Moira bananas along with Ampti (Mysore), Raspali (Silk), Velchi (Ney poovan), Myndoli (Horn plantain) and others.
The parboiled Goan rice is highly sought after, not only for its health benefits, but also for its use in making traditional sweets and delicacies, adding a touch of local flavour to any meal.
Kokum is available in plenty and is a natural souring agent that is used in cooking. Besides, a dish thali is incomplete without the solkadi that's made with kokum.
If you're lucky, you could stumble on bibes (shelled cashew seeds). A popular snack, it is used in various dishes and is surprisingly available as early as December.
Goan palm jaggery sold as pyramids in two sizes is a must buy. Rich in flavour, used in several traditional sweets, it has properties that boost immunity and aid in digestion.
And, once you are done, end your visit to the market with falooda loaded with tutti-frutti, vermicelli, chia seeds and ice cream that's refreshing and will aid in remembering this shopping sojourn.