When it Comes to Veggies, Fresh isn't Always Better Than Frozen

When it comes to food, the main belief among those who care most about what they put in their bodies is that fresh is always best. But that might not always be true.  

Many studies have shown that frozen produce is just as nutrient-rich, if not more so, than fresh fruits and veggies. That’s because frozen produce is picked at the peak of its ripeness before getting shoved in the freezer. This locks in vitamins and minerals. As for fresh produce? It's commonly picked before it’s fully ripe. That’s so it won’t rot on the way to market. Depending on that distance, that journey can take a week or two, unless the produce is locally picked. Also, refrigerated fruits and veggies can lose nutrients within days. 

"Public perception is that frozen foods are bad, and that they're less nutritious because they're more processed,” Caroline Thomason, a Washington, DC-based dietitian, told National Geographic. “But that's actually not true."

Frozen produce commonly costs less than fresh. It also leads to less food waste, experts say. 

But before rushing to the grocery store to stock up on frozen veggies, it’s worth noting that not all broccoli, carrots, corn, and peas are equal in quality. Also, not all are necessarily better for you. The more processed these products are, the less healthy they are. That's because of added saturated fats, sodium, and sugar. These ingredients are intended to increase their shelf life.

That, and most nutritionists agree that fresh produce simply tastes better. But many argue against an all-or-nothing attitude about food. 

"It's not that one is better or worse," Thomason told the magazine. "At the end of the day, whether you're getting frozen or fresh produce, you're still getting produce, and that is something we should celebrate." 

Reflect: What do you think is more important when choosing food - taste, nutrition, or convenience? Explain. 

Photo of frozen vegetables courtesy Flixtey on Wikimedia Commons.