There’s no shortage of options when it comes to health food stores in Queens, and with the arrival of warmer spring weather it’s the perfect time to lighten up and start eating healthy. Whether you’re looking for freshly squeezed juices, supplements, or organic produce your neighborhood natural food shop has it all. Many carry dairy, meats, or items specifically for those with dietary restrictions as well as dried beans, fruits and nuts sold in bulk.
Want to kick-start your diet? Start by checking out our list of health food stores below and then try this flavorful, nutritious salad. It’s made with a high-protein ancient grain that’s organic and then loaded with nuts and raw veggies that are both filling and delicious. Seriously, you’ll never think of diet food the same way again.
Farro and Veggie Salad
For 4 servings you’ll need:
- 2 cups pearled or semi-pearled farro
- 1 large bunch organic kale or other leafy green, tough stems and ribs removed and finely chopped
- 2 organic yellow bell peppers, chopped
- 2-3 large organic carrots, grated
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup unsulphured organic dried cranberries
- ¼ cup combination of nuts such as almonds, walnuts and pecans, chopped
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium organic chicken or vegetable stock
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons walnut or flaxseed oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- To make dressing, whisk together chicken broth, rice vinegar and oil, then season with salt and pepper and set aside. In a large bowl, combine kale, bell pepper, carrot, nuts, cranberries and pumpkin seeds. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook farro in boiling water for about 30 minutes until tender. Drain and add hot farro to vegetables and nuts, pour dressing over and toss until evenly coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm or chilled.
Health Food Stores in Queens
Fresh Start Organic Market & Eatery: 718-204-7868; 29-13 23rd Avenue, Astoria
Nature’s Pantry: 718-347-3037; 26315 Hillside Avenue, Floral Park
The Organic World: 718-896-1590; 10337 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills
Veggie Monster: 718-478-8880; 39-86 61st Street, Woodside
Thyme Natural Market & Café: 718-847-0535; 8122 Lefferts Boulevard, Kew Gardens
Neil’s Natural Market: 718-321-2088; 4610 Hollis Court Boulevard, Flushing
Sai Organics: 718-278-1726; 30-21 30th Avenue, Astoria
Natural Frontier Market: 718-937-9399; 12-01 Jackson Avenue, LIC
Health Bay Natural Foods: 718-845-0517; 161-30 Crossbay Boulevard, Howard Beach
Queens Health Emporium: 718-358-6500; 15901 Horace Harding Expressway, Flushing
Broadway Natural: 718-545-1100; 30-11 Broadway, Astoria
Vital Health Foods: 718-525-0992; 19614 Linden Boulevard, Jamaica
Fairway Market: 718-423-2100; 242-02 61st Avenue, Douglaston
Little Neck Health Connection: 718-631-1522; 24516 Horace Harding Expressway, Little Neck
Go Natural Health Foods & Juice Bar: 718-482-0008; 45-03 Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside
Vitality & Health Natural Market: 718-777-8477; 46-03 Broadway, Astoria
Trader Joe’s: 718-275-1791; 9030 Metropolitan Avenue, Rego Park
The Health Nuts: 718-225-8164; 211-35 26th Avenue, Bayside
Organic Kings: 718-275-6555; 64-14 108th Street, Forest Hills
Nature’s Best Organic Market: 718-777-1909; 31-28 Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria
Health Conscious Natural Foods: 718-712-7740; 23122 Merrick Boulevard, Laurelton
Greenline Organic: 718-777-1157; 22-33 31st Street, Astoria
Jackson Heights Health Food: 718-429-9511; 83-06 37th Avenue, Jackson Heights
The Vitality Store: 718-261-7499; 5 Continental Avenue, Forest Hills
Guru Health Foods: 718-291-7406; 8618 Parsons Boulevard, Jamaica
By: Vivian Cardinale