Why Frozen Is Often a Better Choice Than Fresh
There’s a lot of emphasis placed on the superiority of fresh produce, but two recent studies show that in many cases, frozen is the better nutritional choice.
There’s a lot of emphasis placed on the superiority of fresh produce, but two recent studies show that in many cases, frozen is the better nutritional choice.
Researchers at both Leatherhead Food Research and the University of Chester say that approximately two thirds of the frozen varieties tend to be richer in both vitamins and antioxidants.
The studies involved 40 tests in which the two were compared side by side.
All products tested were purchased at local outlets of 4 large grocery chains. Prior to being assessed, the selections were stored for three days – the fresh produce in a refrigerator - to mimic a likely real-life scenario.
Vitamin C, lutein, and beta-carotene were among the compounds found in greater quantities in many of the frozen options with the exceptions of fresh broccoli and spinach.
According to experts, the most likely reason for this is that fresh doesn’t always mean just harvested. Often times, produces sits in warehouses, on trucks, and in stockrooms for weeks before being put out for purchase.
Over time, the vitamins and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables degrade.
Conversely, frozen produce is prepared and packaged much sooner after being picked, allowing the beneficial components to be retained.
There’s a lot of emphasis placed on the superiority of fresh produce, but two recent studies show that in many cases, frozen is the better nutritional choice.
Researchers at both Leatherhead Food Research and the University of Chester say that approximately two thirds of the frozen varieties tend to be richer in both vitamins and antioxidants.
The studies involved 40 tests in which the two were compared side by side.
All products tested were purchased at local outlets of 4 large grocery chains. Prior to being assessed, the selections were stored for three days – the fresh produce in a refrigerator - to mimic a likely real-life scenario.
Vitamin C, lutein, and beta-carotene were among the compounds found in greater quantities in many of the frozen options with the exceptions of fresh broccoli and spinach.
According to experts, the most likely reason for this is that fresh doesn’t always mean just harvested. Often times, produces sits in warehouses, on trucks, and in stockrooms for weeks before being put out for purchase.
Over time, the vitamins and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables degrade.
Conversely, frozen produce is prepared and packaged much sooner after being picked, allowing the beneficial components to be retained.
Category
🏖
Travel