When it comes to choosing between frozen vegetables vs fresh, the common belief is that fresh is always better. But what if we told you that frozen vegetables are just as healthy, if not healthier, than fresh ones? Not only are they packed with essential nutrients, but they are also affordable, convenient, and have a longer shelf life, reducing food waste. Plus, they can be just as delicious when prepared correctly. So why do some people still consider them to be inferior to fresh produce? Let’s explore the truth about frozen vegetables and why they deserve a spot in your diet.
Frozen vs fresh – how fresh is fresh?
Are you surprised to learn that frozen vegetables may contain more nutrition than fresh ones? While we may think fresh is always best, the truth is, fruit and vegetables begin to lose nutrition the moment they are picked.
Many fresh products come from other countries and may have been in transit for days before reaching our supermarkets, leading to nutrient loss. Moving, handling and preparing fruit and vegetables also destroys precious vitamins and minerals. In contrast, frozen fruit and vegetables are usually picked and fast-frozen close to the source, ensuring maximum nutrition. So, don’t hesitate to stock up on frozen produce – it’s cheap, convenient, and packed full of nutrients.
Try to incorporate a variety of frozen vegetables into your meals to boost your intake of vitamins and minerals. Fill half your plate with vegetables at every meal to reap the benefits of their high nutrient count and fiber, which can help you feel full and support weight loss.
Frozen vegetables are cheap
The staples in my freezer are:
You’re probably aware of the benefits of incorporating vegetables into your diet, but did you know that frozen vegetables can save you money without sacrificing nutrition?
When comparing the cost per kilo of frozen vegetables vs fresh, you’ll find that most frozen options are cheaper on average. So, if you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to get your daily dose of veggies, consider stocking up on frozen broccoli, cauliflower, mixed vegetables, sweetcorn, peas, peppers, mushrooms, onions, and green beans.
Of course, there are some vegetables that you may prefer to buy fresh, like carrots. But don’t worry, you can still enjoy fresh vegetables too! If you’re looking for nutritious and low-calorie snack foods, try carrots, cauliflower, celery, peppers, sugar snap peas, trimmed beans, and baby corns which are all great as raw snacks.
Convenient
Not only are frozen vegetables packed full of nutrients, but they also come prepared and ready to cook, making them a quick and convenient option for busy individuals. No more time-consuming chopping and prepping – simply open a bag or box, throw them in the oven or on the stove, and you’re good to go. And don’t worry, just because they’re frozen doesn’t mean they lack flavor. With a little bit of know-how, you can easily make them taste just as delicious as their fresh counterparts. Say goodbye to the hassle of meal prep and hello to the convenience of frozen vegetables!
Easy to store
Are you guilty of buying fresh vegetables with the best intentions, only to have them go bad in your fridge a week later? It’s a common problem, but it doesn’t have to be.
Frozen vegetables are a convenient solution that can help you reduce food waste and save money in the long run. With frozen vegetables, you don’t have to worry about using them before they go bad. You can keep them in your freezer for months, and simply take out what you need when you’re ready to cook. Plus, frozen vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh ones, and can be a great addition to any meal. So next time you’re at the grocery store, consider grabbing a few bags of frozen veggies to keep on hand for those days when you’re short on time or can’t make it to the store.
Frozen vegetable recipe ideas
Frozen vegetables are a great go-to for weight loss. They are fast to prepare and steam quickly in the microwave to keep those nutrients.
If you want to enjoy the convenience of quick and easy vegetables, cooking them in the microwave is a great option. Be sure to use a container with a lid to keep in the steam and nutrients. With these meal ideas, you can incorporate frozen vegetables into your daily meals:
Stir-fried
Start by microwaving the vegetables and then finish off in a pan with a little olive oil and fresh garlic. Char them slightly for extra flavor.
Curried
Try mixed veg and diced potatoes slow-cooked in a pan with curry spices. Make sure the pan has a lid and let the vegetables slow steam in their own juices on low heat.
Ratatouille
Add chicken and rice to this delicious vegetable dish. Check out this recipe for inspiration.
Omelette
Mix tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, sweetcorn, and peas and fold them into an omelette wrapper for a protein and vegetable-packed breakfast.
Salads
Get creative with your salads by incorporating defrosted green beans, peas, sweetcorn, or steamed broccoli for added flavor.
Soups
Combine a variety of vegetables in a pan with some vegetable stock and diced potato for a healthy lunch or starter. Blend half the vegetables for a smooth texture and reintroduce the remaining vegetables for texture.
Vegetable rice
Cook some rice and mix it with microwaved vegetables, undiluted chicken stock, fresh garlic, fresh basil, and tomato puree for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Roasted Mediterranean vegetables
Add red onions, courgette (zucchini), aubergine (eggplant), tomatoes, and peppers to a large baking tray with whole crushed garlic cloves and olive oil. Roast in the oven on moderate heat until cooked through and soft. Mix in a little tomato puree and fresh basil before serving. Enjoy these tasty and nutritious meals using frozen vegetables!
Vegetables are not just about weight loss
To maintain good health, it’s important to have a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. You might not know that these nutrients are vital for supporting your immune system, digestive system, and overall bodily functions.
Did you know that just one chili pepper can provide you with more than your daily requirement of vitamin C? That’s impressive! And, vitamin A can be obtained from vegetables as well as meats, while mushrooms that are exposed to sunlight can be an excellent source of vitamin D.
Incorporating vegetables into your meals can be easy and delicious. Not only are they superfoods, but they can also be quite versatile. With a little creativity, you can make veggies the star of your meals.
Try experimenting with different vegetables and recipes to keep things interesting. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy them and how much better you feel with a nutrient-rich diet.