When shopping, one question that always comes to my mind is whether to buy frozen or fresh food. We're always told fresh food is the only way to go, but is that true? What is the actual nutritional value? Read on to find out.
If you've ever wondered whether you should opt for frozen or fresh food, we've got the answers you need. Keep reading to learn more.
Frozen Vs. Fresh Food (The Answer Will Surprise You)
When purchasing nutritious foods, it can become overwhelming to decide what the best food options are – especially when it comes to fresh and frozen vegetables. There are a lot of mixed messages about fresh and frozen foods, so let's dive in.
Frozen produce retains its nutrients by being flash frozen right after harvesting.
Though the nutritional content of fresh food and frozen foods are similar, here are some questions to consider with your food, regardless of whether it is fresh or frozen:
- Is it in-season?
- Where does the food come from (how far did it travel to get on the grocery store shelf)?
- What is the price?
- Does it contain preservatives or sodium?
Let's dive into what these questions mean.
Is it in-season?
Buying produce that's in-season means that you'll be purchasing the food at its freshest. This also means that these foods will be at their peak nutritional value, not to mention that they can also be more affordable.
You can find in-season food items at grocery stores and your local farmer's market. We love farmer's markets because you:
- Are supporting local farmers
- Can ask farmers questions about their harvest (i.e. Is it organic? How does it grow?)
- Can often save a lot more money than buying from a chain grocery store
If you have the opportunity to buy in-season local produce – you should. Buying local, in-season produce can help provide you with the highest nutritional value.
Where does the food come from?
It is important to know how far your food has travelled to your refrigerator. This will let you determine the source of the food and the environmental and economic impact of your buying choices.
Likewise, fresh local fruits and vegetables are the best for you since farmers pick them while at their ripest and travel a much shorter distance to your kitchen. This means that you get more nutritious food and are supporting local farmers.
If vegetables and fruit come from other countries, they're usually picked before ripeness. Plus, they may travel long distances before hitting your local grocery store, let alone your kitchen. Food that travels a long way won't have as high a nutritional value as food that has travelled locally.
Food items imported into the country can come from foreign places with vastly different farming regulations. For instance, the number of pesticides used on crops and the wages and fairness to a country's farmers can be drastically different.
What is the price?
If you are price conscious of what you purchase, here are some buying tips that will come in handy when deciding to buy frozen or fresh food:
- Local, in-season produce is typically cheaper to buy
- Frozen produce is often on sale during peak season (i.e. strawberries in the summer)
- Exotic produce is often more expensive (fresh or frozen)
Does it contain preservatives or sodium?
If you buy frozen pre-packaged produce, be aware of added ingredients. Some pre-packaged produce may have added sodium as a preservative or seasonings to enhance the flavour.
Closing Thoughts
When deciding between frozen and fresh food, to understand how to determine what is best for you and your family. Though the nutritional value can be similar, remember to ask yourself questions about your food. Knowing where your food is coming from and reading the labels is always important because it will let you make better decisions for yourself and your family.
