Keeping a selection of frozen vegetables in the freezer
The Basics
Frozen vegetables are convenient and require very little preparation. Using canned or frozen vegetables to make soups means you can knock up a healthy meal or snack in a matter of minutes.
And as frozen vegetables can be stored for long periods of time they’re handy standbys for times when you don’t have fresh vegetables to hand.
Common Myths & Misconceptions
- “Frozen vegetables aren't as healthy as fresh” – Frozen vegetables are just as good for you as fresh - and they can be quick, convenient and economical too. Quick freezing has very little effect on the nutritional value of food. In fact, studies show that because they’re processed within hours of being picked, frozen vegetables often contain higher levels of vitamins than fresh.
- “Canned vegetables aren’t as healthy as fresh” – Although levels of some vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals are reduced by the canning process, other nutrients are increased – canned tomatoes, for instance, contain higher levels of absorbable lycopene than fresh tomatoes.
Tips and Tricks
- If the place where you usually shop doesn’t have a good selection of frozen vegetables make a trip to a specialist freezer store, like Iceland, to stock up.
- If you have a large freezer, why not visit a pick-you-own farm and pick vegetables during the summer months when they are cheap – you can then freeze them for the winter.
- If you want to freeze fruit at home you’ll need to have a freezer with a ‘super freeze’ or ‘quick freeze’ setting. Spread the vegetables out on a tray lined with non-stick baking parchment and freeze until solid, then pack in freezer bags.
- If you don’t want to prepare a whole load of vegetables, you can take out a handful of frozen vegetables to add to other dishes such as spaghetti Bolognese or curry.
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