Ever wonder where to go to buy fresh great-tasting produce that doesn't break the bank? NYC has so many options that it is often difficult to know where to go to get the best. To simplify things, Nutrition Energy has conducted its own research to find tasty and affordable produce in Manhattan. Our produce comparison consists of organic strawberries, apples and carrots from the Union Square Farmer's Market, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Food Emporium.
Strawberries
Farmer's Market: Strong, fresh, sweet smell, varies in appearance from very small to large and misshaped, bright red in color with a strong, juicy flavor without overwhelming sweetness. Since these strawberries are free from pesticides, they need to be eaten on the day of purchase. $4/pint
Whole Foods: Darker red in color, varies from "giant" to regular in size, not very fragrant, sweet and flavorful with a good texture. $5.99/pound
Trader Joe's: Smaller and lighter in color (pink/red), not fragrant, good, sweet flavor, crunchy seeds but good texture, firm, slightly tart. $3.99/pound
Food Emporium: Varies in size, some are rotten, varied color from dark red to pink, firm, crunchy seeds, tart, slightly sweet, subtle smell, poor appearance- not all are ripe and some are bruised. $3.99/pound
Winner: Trader Joe's and the Farmer's Market are tied for number 1.
Trader Joe's strawberries have a longer shelf life and taste good, while the strawberries from the Farmer's Market taste fresher but lack shelf life longevity.
Gala Apple
Farmer's Market: Dull rusty red color, small, grainy/mealy texture, sweet and juicy, mild flavor. $1.50/pound
Whole Foods: Shiny and bright red in color, tart, crunchy and crispy, juicy, slight sweet smell. $2.69/pound
Trader Joe's: Organic not available, large in size, shiny red and yellow, more fragrant, very juicy, crisp, sweet with a slight tart taste. $.59/each
Food Emporium: Small size, shiny red and yellow, no smell, sweeter, not as crisp, slightly mealy. $2.49/pound
Winner: Trader Joe's best tasting and best price. Whole Foods and Farmer's Market tied for second, apple at Whole Foods has a better texture while the apple from the Farmer's Market has a better taste.
Carrots
Farmer's Market: Long and thin, strong, fresh smell, good crunch, and bitter taste. $4/bunch (5 carrots)
Whole Foods: Brighter orange in color, wider in diameter, sweet, good crunch, slightly dry. $1.29/pound
Trader Joe's: Some damaged (cracked), shorter in length, medium width, good crunch, nice sweet and bitter mixture, mild taste, and no smell. $.89/pound
Food Emporium: Very bright orange in color, strong smell, very bitter, less crunchy, great appearance but bad bitter taste. $1.99/pound
Winner: Whole Foods with Trader Joe's a close second
Let us know how this produce comparison helps you and what other food comparisons you'd like to see. We would be happy to do more of these in the future. Happy snacking!
