Frozen Vegetables: A Convenient and Nutritious Choice

It's highly recommended to adopt a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. In reality, most of us consume less than advised.

We know how important it is to include fruits and veggies in our meals, but it can be challenging. Frozen veggies and fruits provide a reasonably good solution.

Fruits or vegetables are picked in their natural season, at peak ripeness. They undergo sorting and inspection. Those that aren't suitable are not processed. Suitable ones are washed, then blanched at temperatures that halt ripening to prevent spoilage. This preserves their color and texture. Immediately after, the produce is deeply frozen at very low temperatures to retain their nutritional values. This process happens in factories close to the fields, usually right after picking.

Freezing helps maintain the nutritional content of fruits and vegetables. Breakdown of nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, occurs over about eight months, depending on the type of produce.

Fresh fruits that aren't in season, or aren't local, are transported over long distances after picking. Time and storage conditions cause some nutritional loss, unlike frozen produce that retains nutrients for several months. Freezing minimizes nutritional loss and retains values for about eight months. Check the packaging for the freezing date.

Some fresh produce sold as such is picked before ripening. It could take days before they reach supermarkets, and sometimes they undergo chemical treatments to delay ripening, extending shelf life.

For sufficient fruit and veggie intake, frozen options are great. They're also ideal for busy individuals with no time for complex meals. For those less fond of frozen flavors, fresh greens or herbs can be added for antioxidants and taste.

It's important to have a variety of veggies, whether fresh or frozen, both options are good. What's best and convenient for you is what matters – the key is including as many fruits and vegetables in your diet as possible.

Zohara Sharvit is an N.D. naturopath and an iris diagnosis specialist, with extensive experience in treatment, advice, and workshop facilitation. To book a complimentary workshop, call 073-2221290