Fresh vs Frozen
In an ideal world, we would walk into our garden every day and pick the ripest fruits and vegetables to prepare every meal. There is nothing better than fresh-picked food. But the reality is that not all of us can do that. We rely on what is available at our local grocery store.
Sometimes, to get the variety we seek, we rely on frozen foods, but are we getting the same nutritional value when we do? The short answer is yes. Frozen foods can not only supply our nutritional needs, but also add variety to our meals and give us many options to choose from. This is especially true when the foods we love are out of season.
Following are some of the benefits of frozen fruits and vegetables:
Sometimes, to get the variety we seek, we rely on frozen foods, but are we getting the same nutritional value when we do? The short answer is yes. Frozen foods can not only supply our nutritional needs, but also add variety to our meals and give us many options to choose from. This is especially true when the foods we love are out of season.
Following are some of the benefits of frozen fruits and vegetables:
- Frozen fruits and vegetables retain most of their nutrients. Frozen fruits and vegetables are harvested at the peak of ripeness when their nutrient value is at its highest. They are quickly blanched (for vegetables) and frozen, which helps preserve their vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to the International Journal of Food Science & Technology, the freezing process can help retain most of the nutrients found in fresh produce. For instance, vitamin C and folate, which are sensitive to heat, light, and air, are well preserved during freezing. Studies have found no consistent differences in the nutrient content of fresh versus frozen fruits and vegetables, and some frozen products have even shown higher levels of certain nutrients.
- Frozen fruits and vegetables are very convenient. They come ready to use, pre-washed and pre-cut, saving you a lot of time in meal preparation. They also have a long shelf life, reducing spoilage and food waste.
- Frozen fruits and vegetables add variety to your diet. Eating a variety of plant foods is the key to good health, and variety makes it easier to plan meals that you and your family will enjoy.