The Truth About Frozen Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are filled with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are essential to your overall health and wellbeing. But there’s one problem: they go bad pretty quickly and good fresh fruit and veggies can sometimes be a challenge to find.

That’s where frozen fruit and veggies come in. They’re a great alternative to fresh produce and last longer than their fresh counterparts. Some frozen fruits and veggies can last up to a few months in the freezer, making them easily accessible and definitely worth your money.

But let’s be honest. Frozen fruit and vegetables have a bad reputation. Why is this? Because many people believe that once frozen, fruits and veggies lose a lot of their nutritional value.

Is this true?

Nope!

 Fruits and vegetables that are frozen are preserved right at the time they are harvested which is when they are the ripest. This means when the fruit or veggie is at its peak nutritious state, it gets frozen along with all of its yummy natural benefits. Some fruits and veggies like blueberries even retain more nutrients once they’re frozen than they would if they were left fresh to be sold in the grocery store.

Because frozen fruits and veggies are frozen right after they are harvested, they often don’t see the same chemicals and pesticides that fresh fruits and veggies do. Fresh fruits and veggies need these chemicals to keep from rotting too quickly while their frozen counterparts don’t have to worry about going bad any time soon.

Frozen fruits and vegetables beat fresh produce in the price arena. They are often much cheaper than fresh fruits and veggies, especially during non-peak times of the year when certain fruits and veggies aren’t in season. If you’re looking for a more affordable way to get your nutrients, frozen is the way to go plus they’re on the shelves year-round.

While many people believe that fresh produce is better than frozen produce, when it comes down to nutrition, cost, and availability, frozen fruits and veggies measure up pretty well to fresh produce.

Next time you’re in a pinch and can’t find the fresh fruits and veggies you’re looking for, try frozen!

Grilled Peach Recipe

This quick and easy recipe is a delicious take on a fruity favorite: peaches!

Ingredients:  

• 1 package of frozen peach slices
• 2 tablespoons of cinnamon
• ¼ cup honey
• Whipped Cream

 Steps: 

1. Set your grill to a medium heat
2. Place frozen peach slices onto an aluminum sheet
3. Mix your honey and cinnamon and baste over your peach slices
4. Seal the foil over your peach slices and place on the grill
5. Cook for 5 minutes then flip and cook for another 5 minutes
6. Serve with whipped cream on top

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fresh-vs-frozen-fruit-and-vegetables#section2

https://nwwildfoods.com/articles/are-frozen-berries-healthier-then-fresh/