Fresh foods are vibrant, nutritious and healthy produce that is often fresh, organically made and is packed with various vitamins and minerals. Whereas, on the other hand frozen foods are known for their longevity and storage capacity, as they are stored in a frozen form and can be used anytime within the given set due date.
As we all know that the demand and production of frozen foods are becoming even more popular these days and are always on high demand given their capacity to be stored for a longer time than a fresh produce also keeping in mind that they are convenient and still manage to hold a lot of their natural nutritional value.
What is a fresh produce?
Fresh produce consists of all kinds of natural and organic produce that is fresh, nutritious and perishable in nature and are always easily available. They contain various food groups that are packed with various nutritious food items that are necessary for our health and overall well-being.
These fresh produces include all kinds of fresh vegetables, roots and tubers and green leafy veggies that are eaten fresh to gain most of its nutritional content and provide good amounts of fibre as well. Vegetables packed with Vitamins like vitamin A, C, K and minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc that help with various body functions.
Similarly, fruits that are colourful and seasonal are also part of a fresh produce that help with various metabolic processes, boosting immunity, respiratory system and brain functions. Fruits like apple, mango, berries, banana, papaya and watermelon. All of these natural produces are rich in nutrients and provide,
- Produces more fibre
- More nutrition
- Better absorption
- Improved metabolism
- Improve heart health
- Cleanses liver
- More nutrition
- Better absorption
- Improved metabolism
- Improve heart health
- Cleanses liver
These are all some basic attributes that are carried by all naturally produced fresh food items that are beneficial to consume in any form and all forms regardless of any kind of intoxication, preservation and additives involved.
What is a frozen produce?
Frozen foods are more commonly known as convenient foods that are easy use and are pretty much easier to make fancy dishes without much steps to follow. Now, as we all know frozen foods have gotten huge over the 20 years of packaged food network that marks a tick on ready to use products that are half cooked, has nutrients, can be stored longer and is not in natural state that makes it easier to use directly in dishes.
Although there have been a lot of argument as to are they really worth the hype in regard to their nutrient content or are they more on the packaged good side that has more additives and preservatives in them that are not as much great to be used.
Frozen goods include a bunch of categories and food groups involved that are easily perishable and are not easily available at all times. This was how frozen foods were introduced solely to provide different areas to have accessibility to exotic ingredients that are not available in their area.
This happens within cities, states and countries even, where a certain food product is exported to provide it for the rest of the population in the form of a frozen good. As fresh foods are difficult to transport and may perish within the transportation period not forgetting the fact that it may be a victim of transportational damage. Frozen foods were done to make sure that a food should be able to,
- Easy transportation
- Adequate Nutrition
- ready to use
- Convenience
- Longer shelf life
- Availability
All these attributes help us identify the fact as to why we can and should be using more frozen foods for convenience and adaptability. It not only makes it accessible for people around the globe but also provides a variety of food to choose from and have multi-vitamins and minerals gained from different types of food products.
Fresh V/S Frozen Foods
Now, the question arises as to which type of food source is the best? Are frozen foods better than fresh foods in providing more nutrition or is fresh produce free more preservatives and toxication making it a better option to use when you have an option to choose from.
This question has various factors to look into when picking the right choice for your health. The ultimate goal for us is to maintain our health in the best way possible by fulfilling the required amounts of nutrition and also providing adequate energy supply to the body. So, will we find the right option for ourselves?
The answer lies within the given table below that states a comparison on both Fresh and Frozen foods on different aspects. let's find out which option is better for our health, frozen foods or fresh foods:
| Aspect | Frozen Foods | Fresh Foods |
|---|---|---|
| Nutritional Vitality | Gradual nutrient degradation due to freezing and thawing. | Retains peak nutritional value with minimal nutrient loss. |
| Convenience | Extended shelf life, offering convenience in storage. | Shorter shelf life, necessitating more frequent purchase. |
| Flavour and Texture | Often compromises texture and alters flavour profiles. | Offers vibrant and varied flavours with optimal textures. |
| Availability | Available year-round, regardless of seasonal constraints. | Seasonally aligned, promoting diversity in eating habits. |
| Vitamin Retention | Vitamin C and other delicate vitamins tend to degrade. | Maintains a higher level of vitamins due to freshness. |
| Environmental Impact | May reduce food waste due to extended shelf life. | Encourages local agriculture and reduces carbon footprint. |
| Health Considerations | Potential additives or preservatives in some products. | Free from additives, promoting a more natural diet. |
| Culinary Versatility | May limit some culinary options due to altered textures. | Provides a diverse canvas for creative culinary endeavours. |
| Sensory Experience | Often lacks the fresh taste and vibrant sensorial appeal. | Offers an unparalleled burst of taste and sensory delight. |
In summary although Frozen foods are a convenient option and are easy to use but they in fact lack a lot of nutritional integrity, natural texture and flavours that ruin the original essence of the food product. While, Fresh produce provide more nutritional value, better quality produce, no addition flavouring added and are 100% natural and organic.
Conclusion:
This blog provides a fair comparison on which type of food is better fresh or frozen and also as to why fresh foods can be a better choice to opt where health is concerned.
FAQs
Q. Are frozen foods really that bad?
A- Frozen foods are not bad for you, they are just an option when you don't have access to fresh produce. Although it's easier to use and convenient but it can't really be a replacement for organic and natural food products that has more nutritional value.