646588 Sat Aug 22 00:26:21 -0700 2009 5 58 Italy 0 4967559 I am looking to buy some finocchio selvatico fiore/ fennel pollen but have had no luck at all finding it in shops in Florence. One vendor told me it did not exist. Have tried groceries, markets, spice shops... nothing. Can anyone tell me where I can get some? Also, I would welcome suggestions on what other items I might pick up to bring back as gifts to North America (to a small city without an Italian grocery) . Weight is a concern, and we are worry about confiscation of cheeses, but otherwise...anything. Thanks! Sat Aug 22 00:26:21 -0700 2009 180653 sinjawns 1 4967612 Have you tried Bizzarri on via della Condotta for the fennel pollen? Dried funghi porcini are light, and they are considerably less expensive in Italy than in North America. Customs will not confiscate dry (Parmigiano-Reggiano and similar) cheeses if they are shrinkwrapped. Sat Aug 22 03:32:45 -0700 2009 4967559 120888 zerlina 2 4967879 Thanks; just found some at Conti, Mercato Centrale. He says he is the only place in the city to get it. At 19E/kg, though, I will check Bizzari to see if they have it at a better price. Sat Aug 22 07:47:21 -0700 2009 4967612 180653 sinjawns 3 4967973 19 Euro a kilogram (1000 grams or 2.2 pounds)?!? Buy 10 kilograms and get rich quick! Zingerman's sells 45 grams of Tuscan fennel pollen online for USD 30; other places charge USD 19.95 and up for one ounce (28 grams). Sat Aug 22 08:42:07 -0700 2009 4967879 120888 zerlina 4 4969463 sorry, that's per etto/100g. Sun Aug 23 04:30:10 -0700 2009 4967973 180653 sinjawns 1 4972663 Not sure if your travels are taking you this direction, but Dario's butcher shop in Panzano sells amazing fennel pollen in jars. 18 euro for what I'd imagine would take you through a year, although I've seen a pork recipe of his that calls for three ounces - I'm hoping that's a typo. Mon Aug 24 09:38:24 -0700 2009 4967559 10702 condiment