Frozen Foods

Many people have the preconception that fresh produce is better than their frozen counterparts because they have the most nutrients. This holds true if you are eating vegetables and fruits freshly picked after they have fully ripened. The problem with most produce in grocery stores is that they are picked before fully ripening so that they stay firm during their long trip from the farm to the store. This means that they have fewer vitamins than produce seen at some farmer's markets.

Now let's look at frozen foods. Take one of my favorites for example: frozen green peas. I throw them into my fried rice not only because they are incredibly convenient, but I also know that their nutritional value is not far off from fresh green peas. This is because we have much more sophisticated methods of freezing fruits and vegetables. Frozen vegetables are picked when they are ripest (yum), immediately lightly blanched, and frozen at 0 degrees F or below. This retains most of the nutrients so that when you cook them, they are still very healthy.

So go ahead and buy those frozen peas! Eating frozen fruits and vegetables still gives you plenty of nutrients and are super convenient. Not to mention, they are delicious.

Sometimes you also have to freeze leftovers. What is good to know about freezing your own food in the freezer? Here are some tips:
1. Make sure you freeze the food at 0 degrees F or below to ensure that the microbes are inactivated. The microbes continue to increase in number when the food is stored above 0 degrees F, leading to food spoilage. That's why the freezer prolongs the shelf life of food much longer than the refrigerator does.
2. Food frozen right when they are at their peak will taste better than food frozen when they are starting to decrease in quality. So try freezing them as soon as possible.
3. Use freezer bags to prevent freezer burns. It seals the food tight to prevent air from going in. Freezer burns do not make the food inedible but they make it dry and is caused by contact with air. It usually makes meat look grey and unappetizing.

For more details and tips, check out the USDA's website on Freezing and Food Safety.
So just eat, be happy, and share your thoughts!