Frozen Veggies and Fruits You Should Be Getting Year Round
Stocking up on frozen produce is one of the best ways to stick to a budget. There are myths that fresh is always better than frozen, but in fact sometimes the opposite is true! Frozen foods are picked and frozen when they’re ripe, sometimes between eight to 12 hours. This ensures all the valuable nutrients are locked in. Nutrients in fresh produce are lost during harvesting, packaging or while sitting on shelves in a store for weeks at a time. Frozen produce is usually less expensive and will save you money in the long-run. Here are a few must-buy frozen items.
- Dark Sweet Cherries. Fresh cherries come with a hefty premium price. Frozen cherries are rich in antioxidants, fiber and nutrients making them perfect for smoothies and healthy desserts.
- Edamame. Edamame is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. They’re very affordable to buy in frozen form, and make for an easy snack. Let them thaw on the counter before preparing.
- Broccoli. Without a doubt much easier to prepare when frozen, broccoli is a super-healthy veggie. You’ll only want to opt for fresh broccoli when you’d like to grill it.
- Green Beans. Frozen green beans are consistently more flavorful and have a better texture. They’re also easier to find! Packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, they’re another great source of plant-based protein.
- Pre-Made Smoothie Packs. We all get busy and pre-made packs are the perfect solution to making smoothies. They have all the healthiest fruits and veggies in perfect portions. You’ll pay a little more upfront but nothing beats the convenience.
- Mixed Vegetable Blends. This is a no-brainer for essential frozen food purchases. These are a staple in meal prep. Steam them in soups, stews, curries and even casseroles. Change up the varieties you buy and purchase them in bulk to save even more.
Source: the Kitchn