Can I taste it?
'Assaggiare' — 'as-saj-JA-re'. Five syllables, stress on fourth. The 'gg' before 'i' = soft 'j'.
At food markets before buying — especially for cheese, cured meats, olive oil, honey or wine. Italian market vendors expect and welcome this request.
'Assaggiare' = to taste/try. 'Posso assaggiare?' = can I taste? At Italian food markets, tasting ('degustazione') is standard practice — vendors often offer without being asked.
Posso provare prima di comprare?
Can I try before buying?
Expressing you want to taste before committing to a purchase
Ha un campione?
Do you have a sample?
Asking specifically for a sample piece
Come è il sapore?
What does it taste like?
Asking the vendor to describe the flavour before tasting
Food tasting at Italian markets is a cultural right. Vendors who don't offer tastes are viewed with suspicion — if the product is good, you'll want to show it. Italian cheese vendors in particular are generous with their tasting plates.