It was the third day of classes for a new, four-week Study Abroad course in Padua, Italy, and a group of BU students was on a scavenger hunt in the city’s outdoor market, the Piazza della Frutta. They were in search of examples of foods that could be included in the popular Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fresh produce, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and olive oil, as well as the consumption of fewer proteins and animal fats.

Wine is even allowed, in moderation. The students used their smartphones to snap pictures of beans, plump raspberries, and purple and gold cauliflower, and brought their pictures back to class to illustrate how readily available these healthy foods were in the region.