Fresh produce is a vital component of a healthy and balanced diet. However, maintaining the freshness of fruits and vegetables can be a challenge, especially for those living in regions with seasonal or limited access to locally grown produce. Frozen food provides a convenient solution to this problem, allowing consumers to enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables year-round. In this blog, we will explore the journey of fresh produce to frozen products and the benefits it offers to consumers.
How Are Fruits and Vegetables Frozen?
Freezing is a common preservation technique used to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. The process involves harvesting the produce at peak freshness, washing, sorting and cutting it into the desired size. Next, the produce is blanched, which involves heating it briefly to inactivate enzymes that can cause spoilage. Finally, the produce is frozen using a quick-freezing technique that locks in the flavor and nutrients.
Benefits of Frozen Produce
Frozen fruits and vegetables offer several benefits over their fresh counterparts. Firstly, they are available year-round, making it easier for consumers to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into their diet. Frozen produce is also more convenient as it requires minimal preparation and can be stored for long periods without spoiling. Additionally, frozen produce can be more affordable than fresh produce, especially for those living in areas with high transportation costs or limited access to fresh produce.
Nutritional Value of Frozen products
Many people believe that fresh produce is always more nutritious than frozen produce. However, studies have shown that frozen produce can be just as nutritious, if not more so, than fresh produce. The quick-freezing process used in freezing fruits and vegetables helps to retain their nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, which can degrade over time in fresh produce.
Addressing Food Waste
Food waste is a significant problem globally, with an estimated one-third of all food produced being lost or wasted each year. Frozen produce can help to address this issue by extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, reducing the amount of food that goes to waste. Additionally, frozen produce can be a useful tool for food banks and other organisations that provide food assistance to those in need.
The Popular & Convenient Choice
In conclusion, frozen produce offers a convenient and nutritious option for consumers looking to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into their diet year-round. The quick-freezing process used in freezing fruits and vegetables helps to retain their nutrients, making frozen produce just as nutritious, if not more so, than fresh produce. Frozen produce can also help to address food waste by extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
Fresh n Frozen Is the Home of Frozen Produce
As one of Queensland and Northern NSW’s leading food wholesalers, Fresh n Frozen has an excellent selection of frozen food products to choose from. We not only supply plant-based meals, we also stock meats, mince, sausages, chicken, seafood, dim sims, spring rolls, pizzas, croissants, deserts and so much more. (view our range)
Servicing customers throughout South East Queensland and Northern NSW, we’re committed to becoming the best food distributor in the region. Email or call us on (07) 55 495 900 to find out more.