wellness
Long Island City Markets Stock Five Summer Produce Recipes Now
Long Island City markets stock corn, tomatoes and berries this week for simple dishes that fit summer nutrition routines.
How we reported this
Five recipes built around corn, tomatoes, zucchini, blueberries and eggplant now available at Long Island City stands give residents direct ways to add fresh produce to daily meals.
July marks the height of the local growing season when these items reach peak flavor and lower prices, helping households meet daily vegetable and fruit targets without extra spending on imports.
The Long Island City Farmers Market operates every Saturday at 21st Street and 45th Road, while the LIC Community Kitchen on Vernon Boulevard runs weekly produce pickup and meal-prep sessions for residents.
Recipes built from this week's harvest
Corn and tomato salad combines two ears of corn with three diced tomatoes, a handful of basil and a tablespoon of olive oil. Grilled zucchini slices pair with garlic and lemon for a side that serves four. Blueberry overnight oats use one cup of berries mixed into oats and yogurt left in the fridge overnight. Eggplant rounds roasted with herbs make a base for a quick pasta topping. Cucumber and melon salad tossed with mint offers a cool lunch option for hot days.
Market prices on July 9 showed tomatoes at three dollars per pound and blueberries at four dollars per pint, according to vendor records posted at the 21st Street site. City health department data from 2025 recorded that 38 percent of Long Island City adults met recommended daily produce intake, a figure that rises when seasonal items stay under five dollars per serving.
Residents can visit the 21st Street market this Saturday or sign up for the next Vernon Boulevard session to test one recipe and adjust portions based on household size.