There are few things in the world that can compete with biting into fresh, cold veggies in the summer. And watermelon – oh gosh, the watermelon. We’re so excited that Astoria’s annual green market is back for the summer.

The market – located at 14th Street btwn 31st Ave. and 31st Road, is offering up fresh vegetables, in-season orchard fruit, a huge variety of Mexican hot peppers, specialty greens and tomatillos.

The market runs from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m, but it’s only on Wednesdays. They accept debit/credit, and WIC & Senior FMNP Coupons.

Now, let’s talk game plan. This isn’t your normal grocery shopping. Here’s the best way to get the bang for your buck out of Astoria’s green market (or any green market).

1. Go early. The market opens at 8:00 am. Got work at 9? Perfect. Stop by beforehand. Load up on goodies. BUT WAIT.

2. Check out the selection. Resist the urge to buy it all. Remember what you spotted.

3. GOOGLE. Google is your best friend – find some recipes, and THEN you can proceed to buy enough fruits and vegetables, but remember: they are locally grown, and that means they’re more natural, and have less staying power than some supermarket foods.

OR. You can be like us and have no self-control when you see fresh fruit, and buy it all…and then make everyone in your office eat it before it goes bad.

According to Grow NYC, here are two of the farmers you can find at the market:

Angel Family Farm: Vegetables, Mexican specialty products, salsas, herbs, and cut flowers from the Black Dirt region of Orange County, NY.
Migliorelli Farm: Vegetables and orchard fruit from Dutchess County, NY.

 Totally local, totally fresh, and oh so yummy.