An easy and well-known money saving trick is to buy frozen produce. Not only will this help you save big bucks, but it also allows you to enjoy your favorite off-season fruits and vegetables! While this may help you save money, the question of whether or not you’re receiving the maximum amount of nutrients arises. We’ll give you the low-down on the nutrients in frozen fruits and veggies to help you get the most bang for your buck!

Frozen Vs Fresh Produce

Nutrient Comparison

Fresh produce typically has to travel quite a ways before it lands on grocery store shelves. To make up for the time spent traveling and the bruising and damage that can occur, farmers will pick fruits and veggies before they have fully ripened because they are more rugged at this stage. While the fruit or vegetable in question will still continue to ripen on the outside, they may not have received the full amount of potential vitamins or nutrients.

Frozen produce, on the other hand, is typically picked at its peak ripeness. Before being frozen, the produce is blanched in water, which may result in a loss of water-soluble vitamins. However, since the fruit or vegetable is fully ripened, it’s easy to argue that it would hold more nutrients than the fresh stuff.

Which Should I Buy?

Truthfully, nothing beats the crisp, fresh taste of a fresh piece of fruit or vegetable. Buying fresh is ideal for things like leafy greens, salad ingredients or any fruit you’re going to want to grab before heading off to work in a hurry. Frozen vegetables and fruits are perfect for baking or adding to something like a stir-fry, soup or chili. You’re going to be fully cooking the vegetable anyway, so chances are you won’t notice the difference between fresh or frozen varieties. Frozen fruits are also perfect for smoothies!

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