Fresh vegetables vs Frozen vegetables

[nzproud]

I also saw this topic on a NZ TV program called "What's in our food?".

It turns out that the frozen vegetables contain just as much nutritions as fresh vegetables! In some cases, frozen ones had more nutritions than fresh ones!

Do not store some veges in the fridge though, like tomatoes.. They lose all good nutritions over time.

Many people wonder whether or not frozen vegetables are less nutritious than fresh vegetables. It seems that they would be, simply because many people assume that foods which have been processed are bound to be less nutritious than otherwise. In fact, the truth appears to be that frozen vegetables are at least as nutritious as fresh vegetables — and in some situations may actually be more nutritious. - source

The vitamins and nutrients in fresh fruits and vegetables break down
over time as they are exposed to light and air. Considering that some
produce arrives at the grocery store up to two weeks after harvest,
and often sits on the shelf for some time thereafter, frozen produce
can actually be BETTER than "fresh" in some cases. In addition, fresh
produce may be improperly stored in transit and in-store, resulting in
lost vitamins. Don't worry too much about nutrient loss in frozen
produce: it's generally processed and flash-frozen close to the source
of harvest, retaining its nutrients.

When buying fresh produce, look for what's in season and locally
grown, as these selections will be freshest and relatively high in
nutrients. Buy your not-in-season produce frozen to keep a good
variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet while not compromising
nutritional value. Note that frozen vegetables which have been thawed
and refrozen will not be as nutritious as those kept frozen.

Finally, should you decide to entirely forego fresh produce for the
ease and convenience of frozen, rest easy - the International Food
Information Council says that fresh, frozen and canned vegetables are
basically identical in nutritional value (though canned produce is
often higher in sodium). Some people prefer the taste of fresh
produce, but if this isn't an issue for you, continue to eat your
frozen veg with a peaceful mind.
- source

[vapor]

Interesting article with information...I guess I had the inclination to think that nutrients were lost with frozen foods...

vapor

[ANTSAN]

Yes, what the article says is correct. I work as a draftsman/project co-ordinator for a large chicken producer and alot of the cool storage technology is either the same or very similar between meat and vegetable/fruit. It is common for some fresh fruit/veg produce to be impored and stored for months prior to it reaching the supermarket shelves. Another thing they do is pick unripened fruit and let it mature off the tree/plant where it has been cut off from any nutrients which it would normally be able to access throughout the ripening process. They dont do this with frozen veg as it is usually ripened and in season before being parboiled and snap frozen.

[Dent]

Osu!

I think the definition of fresh may have been stretched a bit...

Surely fresh means out the garden, or off the old farmer's truck?

Osu!

[ANTSAN]

Originally Posted by Dent

Osu!

I think the definition of fresh may have been stretched a bit...

Surely fresh means out the garden, or off the old farmer's truck?

Osu!

You'd be surprised how some authorities define "fresh" these days!

The best option is the grass roots approach: to grow your own, get it from friends or buy from a local market... that way it's in season, fresh, healthy and cost effective

And yes, in some cases frozen is better than, especially when certain things are out of season... sometimes you could be eating a 3 month old apple thats been locked up in a cool store.

[Dent]

Osu!

Originally Posted by ANTSAN

And yes, in some cases frozen is better than, especially when certain things are out of season... sometimes you could be eating a 3 month old apple thats been locked up in a cool store.

Scary thought. A lot like all those fruit that grow near here. Banana, Mango, Avocado

Osu!

[seienchin]

It makes sense when you think about it really....when they freeze veges, they usually do it within 24 hours of picking.

However, I don't like the flavour and texture of frozen veg as much. Some things are just tastier when fresh.

[DKKC]

Yup - the choice between a fresh and a frozen veg or some fruit is how soon after picking you eat the thing? If for longer than a couple of days (depending from veg to veg) most of them are fresher is frozen. Some fruit though can keep for long periods of time (like apples, quince and some type of pears) and in the correct temperatures they lose very little nutritional value. Freezing this fruits would 'bruise' them (like freezing onion for instance - it makes it softer and sweeter) so freezing them is not an option.

The problem with frozen stuff be it fruit, veg or meat is that during the defrosting process they are decomposing at 4 times the normal rate - so a lot of the nutritional value is lost then - defrosting should be done very slowly and at a low temperature - just above 0 degrees C to prevent bacteria from forming. Also, freezing itself destroys some of the goodness (the same way boiling does) so it's all give an take. Chanses are that if you cook/boil frozen veg that you have defrosted rapidly even in the microwave - there's not much goodness left in them by the time you put them on the table!

[Dent]

Osu!

Originally Posted by DKKC

Yup - the choice between a fresh and a frozen veg or some fruit is how soon after picking you eat the thing? If for longer than a couple of days (depending from veg to veg) most of them are fresher is frozen. Some fruit though can keep for long periods of time (like apples, quince and some type of pears) and in the correct temperatures they lose very little nutritional value. Freezing this fruits would 'bruise' them (like freezing onion for instance - it makes it softer and sweeter) so freezing them is not an option.

The problem with frozen stuff be it fruit, veg or meat is that during the defrosting process they are decomposing at 4 times the normal rate - so a lot of the nutritional value is lost then - defrosting should be done very slowly and at a low temperature - just above 0 degrees C to prevent bacteria from forming. Also, freezing itself destroys some of the goodness (the same way boiling does) so it's all give an take. Chanses are that if you cook/boil frozen veg that you have defrosted rapidly even in the microwave - there's not much goodness left in them by the time you put them on the table!

Very interesting, DKKC! I had no idea that defrosting was so damaging.

Osu!