The taste of fresh berries in spring …yum! But when you crave them in the winter months when they’re not in season, will the frozen option pack the same nutritional punch? YES, it most certainly will.
Contrary to what you might think, frozen produce can be even better than their fresh counterparts.
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According to Terry Wahls MD, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa, it best to consume 5 to 9 cups of vegetables and 2 to 3 cups of fruit every day.
Sure, we’re all aware that the advice to eat more fruit and vegetables comes with a whole lot of research behind it. Studies continue to highlight their role in everything from immune boosting benefits to digestive health, to optimum cardiovascular function.
So, in many ways, it’s a tie in the fresh vs frozen competition.
Here’s the thing, fresh is a relative term; fruit and vegetables can be in transit, sit in stores, or wait in your fridge for weeks. Fresh fruits, for example, are harvested anytime between 3 days to several weeks before you eat them. In fact, some fruits like apples and pears can be stored for as long as a year before you buy them!
After harvesting, fresh produce continue to ripen right until you eat them. And what you may not know is that as they ripen, they continue to lose the nutrients that make them so healthy.
Research conducted by Leatherhead Food Research at the University of Chester found that frozen fruits and veggies contained more nutrients than their fresh counterparts. In some cases, frozen fruits were found to have higher levels of antioxidants like polyphenols, when compared with fresh ones. Also, studies show that frozen peas or spinach, for example, may have more vitamin C than supermarket-bought fresh peas or spinach that have been stored at home for several days.
Remember, when produce are frozen, it is picked at the peak of ripeness and flash-frozen soon after to preserve the optimal nutritional value. Frozen produce may be more economical than buying fresh fruit that goes bad quicker and definitely has the edge in reducing food waste. With frozen fruit, you can take out as many pieces as you need and leave the rest for next time.
It’s also beneficial as it’s already prepped and comes cleaned and pre-sliced for your convenience. It’s great for adding to yogurt or smoothies. Just add a handful of strawberry slices in a bowl of yogurt or blender, and voila! It’s great that when the fruits you love are out of season, they may still be available frozen.
True, frozen fruit and vegetables could become mushy, which is no big deal when added to a soup, but as a side dish, it could be less appealing. It’s best to opt for fresh produce in dishes where you’re looking for crunch and texture.
Whatever it takes for you to boost your consumption of fruit and vegetables, do it.
Make it a habit to shop for both fresh and frozen produce so you’ll always have something on hand.
Source: webmd.com, healthline.com, everydayhealth.com, mashed.com, theguardian.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
