Fresh vs. Frozen Fruits and Vegetables:     

Some people cannot grasp that frozen might just be healthier than fresh when it comes to certain foods.  What would you say if I told you that frozen fruits & vegetables were just as healthy, if not more nutritious for you? 

 

When I walk into a grocery store to buy apples, I want fresh!  I want the freshest apples that our local store has to offer, but I know it's not going to happen.  Why?

From the time apples are picked to the time it reaches your plate, apples have already been stored in cold storage units for up to 1 year.  Yep, apples can be stored for up to 1 year by growers, Google it...it's not a secret.  For some, this is old news, but other who read this are saying "really?"  You will find articles upon articles on how growers store apples, when they ship, how they ship, and whether they use

1-MCP and fungicides.  So, the word "fresh", is it really? 

 

I shop at a few different markets in the area, and one store had apples arriving as far away as New Zealand & most from California.  I have also seen some from South Africa and Chile. I guess the phrase "it is what it is" comes into play. 

 

The definition of the word > > > fresh: 

Let's look at the definition of the word, fresh.  To me, the term fresh, means that a person picks their vegetables from their garden during the day, and that evening cooks them.  Purchasing apples from my local market and seeing a sticker that say "product of New Zealand", to me, that does not mean fresh.  Knowing that those apples have probably been picked 4-6 months ago.  

 

Just to give you an idea of miles, apples that are shipped from California to Ohio are about 2,300 miles.  

 

Apples can be transported by either:

* Truck 

* Train

* Ship 

* Plane

 

Fresh doesn't necessarily mean that all the produce in your market is fresh.  

From the time an apple is picked in California, how long does it take to get to your market?  How many miles do your apples travel to get to your local grocery store? Some apples here in Ohio come as far away as New Zealand.  

 

Consider these below:

* How long do apples sit from the grower, before they are shipped to your area?

* Do the apples sit inside, outside, or in a cold storage unit? 

* Are fungicides being used on apples? 

* Are the apples coated with wax?

* Are the apples treated with harmful sprays? 

* Do farmers store apples in large stainless-steel containers for up to 1 year before

   shipping them to your local area?

* After your local grocery store receives the apples, how long do they sit before they        are put on the shelves?

 

So next time you're in the supermarket, ask questions, look at stickers, and don't assume it's fresh. 

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Why choose frozen:

* Fruits and Vegetables that are grown, are picked at their peak of ripeness.  After

   they are picked; they are then flash frozen to preserve all of their nutrients.  Frozen

   has the same nutrients as fresh, IF NOT BETTER! 

* Lasts longer than fresh

* Cheaper per ounce than most fresh vegetables

* Not exposed to heat while in transit

* Obviously, I have never really seen frozen apples so this might be tricky to find OR you simply freeze them yourself. 

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Personally, I buy about 10 bags of frozen vegetables every 2 weeks.   

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Remember:

Variety is the key > > > You will read and hear me say this over and over again!