Hey there! Today let's talk about the great debate, fresh vs frozen produce. Is it really necessary to spend so much on fresh produce? Or is budget friendly frozen a viable solution? Let's dive into the specifics of both.
First let's talk about fresh. One of the big benefits of fresh is flavor. There's nothing quite like biting into a fresh juicy peach, or a crisp cucumber. Fresh produce is often bursting with bold flavor, which can elevate your dishes. Another is the aesthetic appeal. Let's be real, fresh produce is a feast for the eyes, and as we all know, we eat with our eyes first. The vibrant colors can make any dish look straight out of a magazine. Of course, fresh produce also carries a wide variety of nutrients to add to your diet.
The downside? Fresh produce can spoil quickly. There's no disappointment quite like buying a fresh bunch of kale, only to find it wilting in the fridge when you go to use it a day or two later! Also depending on where you live, seasonal availability can be a problem. It's hard to find cranberries or certain squash in the summer. Or there's fruits like strawberries, which you can usually find year-round, but during the summer months when they are in season, they are so much sweeter and juicier. One other major con of fresh produce is nutrient loss. As soon as fruit and vegetables are picked, they start losing nutrients. So, unless you're buying freshly picked from the farm, or growing your own, your store-bought produce has already lost a lot of its nutritional value by time it hits your table.
Now for frozen produce, our unsung hero. Frozen produce is like the superhero of busy lives. Its prewashed, chopped, and ready to toss in a pan or smoothie! Also, there is no risk of spoilage with a much higher shelf life. Frozen fruit and veggies can last months to a year in the freezer. This allows you to stock up during sales and have healthy options on hand whenever hunger strikes. Frozen produce is also significantly more budget friendly than fresh. Another fun fact: frozen produce is often picked at its peak ripeness and flash frozen to lock in nutrients. So that frozen spinach you toss in your smoothie actually has more nutrients than its fresh counterpart.
One big downside I find with frozen produce is the texture change. Thawing frozen produce may result in a mushier consistency, which might not be ideal for salads (but is perfect for soups and smoothies). Also, although they are more nutritious, some people find that they lack the vibrant flavor of fresh produce.
The verdict: Fresh or Frozen?
So, which do you chose? The truth is, both fresh and frozen have their ups and downs. It ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and preferences, and what you're cooking with them!
Personally, I embrace the best of both worlds. keep the fresh produce on hand for a nice salad and to add vibrancy to dishes, while keeping frozen fruits and veggies stocked in the freezer for quick meals and shakes.
In the end, whether you're team fresh or team frozen it's important to know they both are great options to nourish your body while making meals you enjoy. Happy cooking everyone!
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