Photograph by Cedric Angeles
The Ingredients: Yams, Yukon Gold potatoes, zucchini, baby zucchini, yellow squash, red beets, yellow beets, cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers (all nonorganic)
The Technique: Tossed with salt, pepper, and olive oil and roasted in the oven at 400 degrees. Cooking times varied
WHAT DID IT COST?
Everyday chain grocer:
Total: $39.51
Biggest splurge: Yukon Gold potatoes, at $1.99 per pound
Upscale chain grocer:
Total: $54.19
Biggest splurge: Cauliflower, at $5.99 per pound
Farmers’ market:
Total: $28
Biggest splurge: Carrots and beets, at $2 a bunch. Still a steal!
HOW DID IT HOLD UP?
Everyday chain grocer:
Peppers and carrots lacked distinctive flavor. Those pricey potatoes, however, outfluffed even the market spuds.
Upscale chain grocer:
The yams were sweet and the cauliflower was nutty, but roasting turned most of these veggies to mush.
Farmers’ market:
The small, ruddy beets proved stringy, but for vibrancy, the wallet-friendly produce from the farm scored the highest.
