My life is an emotional roller coaster controlled by seasonal produce. When persimmons are peaking, I am the happiest person on the planet. When they disappear, depression sets in. For a time, I am inconsolable, then carciofi romaneschi come out and I’m better again. When they wane, my life has no purpose, but soon enough the summer pit fruits are there to lift my spirits. Today I stocked up on apricots, nectarines, and peaches at the Mercato Metronio on Via Magnagrecia. The stalls at this decayed mercato rionale near San Giovanni in Laterano sell local, seasonal produce, some of which is grown by the vendors–look for “produzione propria” on the pricing signage. Off to grab some cherries and plums at the Circo Massimo farmer’s market!