Phrases › At the Market › Ha erbe aromatiche fresche?

Ha erbe aromatiche fresche?

Do you have fresh aromatic herbs?

Pronunciation

a ER-be a-ro-MA-ti-ke FRE-she

When to use it

Asking for fresh culinary herbs at a greengrocer or herb stall.

What it means

Fresh herbs are essential to Italian cooking. Common market herbs include basilico (basil), prezzemolo (parsley), rosmarino (rosemary), salvia (sage), origano (oregano), timo (thyme), and menta (mint). Many stalls sell them in small bunches.

Variations

Ha del basilico fresco?

Do you have fresh basil?

Asking specifically for basil

Mi dà un mazzetto di prezzemolo?

Can you give me a bunch of parsley?

Requesting a bunch — mazzetto

Ce l'ha il basilico genovese?

Do you have Genovese basil?

Specifying the Ligurian variety, smaller and more fragrant

Mini Dialogue

— Ha erbe aromatiche fresche? — Sì — basilico, prezzemolo, rosmarino, salvia e menta. — Un mazzetto di basilico e uno di prezzemolo, grazie. — Eccoli — cinquanta centesimi ciascuno.

— Do you have fresh aromatic herbs? — Yes — basil, parsley, rosemary, sage, and mint. — A bunch of basil and one of parsley, please. — Here they are — fifty cents each.

Cultural Note

Basilico Genovese DOP is perhaps Italy's most iconic herb. The Ligurian climate and soil produce leaves of exceptional fragrance, used in authentic pesto. Larger-leafed southern basil varieties have a stronger anise note and are preferred in Neapolitan cooking.

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