Fresh and Frozen Food

Food product which has not undergone any processing or is fresh food. The term “fresh” is now used generically to indicate that fruit and vegetables have not been processed (e.g. canned, pickled, preserved or frozen). Fruit and vegetables that have been washed and/or trimmed described as fresh, an indication provided (tags) they have been washed and/or trimmed is evident. In various food product “fresh” implies different meaning. Like, in meat, fresh can be used to differentiate raw meat from that which has been (chemically) preserved. In fish, if kept chilled can be called fresh. In fruit juice, the term “fresh” is not used on juices made from concentrates and “freshly squeezed” is only used to describe juice extracted from the fruit (not prepared from concentrate) where only a short time has elapsed between extraction and packing. In fresh bread, when using terms such as “freshly baked”, “baked in store” and “oven fresh” the implication is that the bread is freshly produced on-site from raw ingredients. However, some stores sell bread made from part-baked products (usually packed in an inert atmosphere or frozen off-site) which are then baked in-store. The FSA states that use of such terms in this circumstance could “potentially infringe the general legal provisions”.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. They contain essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients that are essential for good health. In fact, research has shown that a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Key Nutrients in Fruits and Vegetables

Introduction to Frozen foods

Frozen foods are an affordable way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. In fact, families who incorporate frozen foods into their normal routine may have better diet quality. With so many choices in the frozen foods aisle, there are plenty of opportunities to find something you like.

Fruits and vegetables are picked at peak ripeness and often frozen within hours, locking in nutrients and flavor. Generally, frozen foods retain their vitamins and minerals and there is no change to the carbohydrate, protein or fat content. In some cases, frozen foods have more vitamins and minerals compared to fresh because fresh foods lose vitamins and minerals over time while freezing preserves nutrients.

Frozen foods can be a convenient and affordable way to incorporate healthful foods from every food group, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, protein and dairy. In addition to a time-saving convenience, frozen foods can be a benefit for individuals with limited kitchen space or utensils. Frozen foods are affordable in price, but they also can aid in reducing food waste.

Fresh or frozen: What’s the difference?

1. The carbohydrate, protein, fiber, and mineral content are similar between fresh and frozen.
2. Fresh food can lose half of its vitamins and phytonutrients during storage or cooking.
3. Fewer of the fat-soluble vitamins A and E are lost in the frozen packaging process compared with water-soluble vitamins like C.
4. Frozen produce may contain more vitamins and phytonutrients than days-old fresh items, though additional cooking and storage after defrosting may close that gap.

          

 

Conclusion

People make food choices for complex reasons taste, price, and convenience may trump perceived nutritional value. But there’s no doubt that for taste and nutrient quality, you can’t beat recently fresh-picked local produce.

On the other hand, if fresh produce is unavailable, inconvenient, out of season, or beyond your budget, frozen products provide plenty of nutrition.

Reference

1. Are Frozen Foods Healthy for Your Diet? (verywellfit.com)
2. Fresh Foods (slideshare.net) Fresh Foods (slideshare.net)
3. fresh food photography – Google Search
4. The Pros and Cons of Frozen Foods – Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter
5. Fresh vs Frozen Fruit and Vegetables — Which Are Healthier? (healthline.com)
6. Fresh or frozen food? Using SCIENCE to prove which is best with surprising results! – BBC – YouTube