There are wonderful farmer's markets in Rio. Each neighborhood has its own market on a certain day of the week. Although, it is relatively simple to go to a market in another neighborhood on a different day of the week because everything in Rio is so close. I encourage all tourists to go to a farmer's market on a visit to Rio. It's a completely different experience than going to a market in the States. First of all vendors approach customers far away from their stands and try to lure them over by offering a sample of the freshest and tastiest from their harvest that day. "Try my mango," one will shout, and the next thing you know there's a ripe piece of mango in your hand. Another vendor slips a strawberry into your hand, all in an effort to coax you to their stand. I always appreciate people who value flavor and quality of agriculture over size or cheap cost.
Anyway, we came across a truck that was loaded up with, what looked like, bamboo stalks.
It turns out that they are sugar cane sticks.Vendors take out the sticks and put them through a huge juicer that looks like a cross between a wood chipper and a pasta maker.
The result is a delicious treat of pure sugarcane juice that is mixed with a squeeze of fresh lime. Not nearly as sweet as one would think. But, I had a bout 3 glasses right then and there.
