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Consumers sometimes shun frozen fruits and vegetables in favor of fresh produce. However, you'd benefit from using them more often, as they offer several significant benefits!
We hear some people say they have an unpleasant texture. But that's not the case. The problem lies in the thawing and cooking of the food. When handled properly, these vegetables and fruits are just as good as fresh.
In this article, we demonstrate their benefits and explain how to prepare them for optimal consumption.
The advantages of frozen products
Yes, frozen foods have advantages that fresh foods don't!
First, they have considerable nutritional value, sometimes higher than other fruits and vegetables. This is simply because they begin to lose their nutrients, vitamins, and minerals as soon as they are picked. So, by the time they reach supermarket shelves, let alone your kitchen, their value has already significantly diminished. Freezing, on the other hand, stops the food spoilage process. Because frozen fruits and vegetables are handled immediately after picking, they retain optimal levels of their nutrients.
Additionally, we know that the nutrients, minerals, and vitamins found in these foods are essential for overall human health. The variety of frozen foods available year-round helps you reach your family's recommended intake while consuming a variety of products.
Second, they save a lot of time and are more efficient. The fact that they're already cut and prepared makes cooking easier. Meals are made in no time, without creating a mess. Plus, you can get on with other things.
Cost is also an advantage of frozen fruits and vegetables. To enjoy your favorite produce all year round without spending too much, frozen products are a better option. You can enjoy inexpensive exotic fruits even during the winter. Moreover, unlike fresh foods, these products are not subject to price fluctuations.
Finally, their shelf life is considerably longer. You can keep your bag in the freezer for three months. This prevents waste!
Some tips for cooking
Here are some tips for enjoying all the benefits of frozen food without wasting it! These few precautions will help you avoid ending up with soft, watery products when they should be crunchy.
At the time of purchase
It's important to ensure that frozen food doesn't begin thawing before you're ready to cook it. With this in mind, it's important to place it in the freezer promptly after purchase. Alimentation l'Épicier uses refrigerated trucks during delivery to keep food fresh. Just make sure you place your frozen food in your freezer as soon as you receive your order.
Always fresh and on hand
It's important to know that frozen products can be stored in the freezer for a long time and retain their texture, flavor, and nutritional value. So, you don't have to worry about waste.
Proper thawing
The best way to maintain the texture of frozen vegetables is to not thaw them before use. Cook them as soon as they come out of the freezer.
Fruits can also be added to recipes as is. But if you need to thaw them, place them in a colander to prevent water from accumulating. Then, sprinkle them with a little sugar.
Seasoning
Another tip for cooking vegetables properly is to season them before putting them in the microwave, rather than afterward. This technique allows them to soak up the flavors while cooking!
Different types of cooking
It is possible to cook frozen vegetables while maintaining their texture, nutrients and flavors.
The important thing is to choose the right cooking technique, but above all, not to overcook them. Since they are often precooked before freezing, they will quickly become soft if you leave them on the stove for too long.
You can use the microwave, grill, or steam or stir-fry them. So, you have plenty of options! You'll usually find cooking time instructions on the bags.
If you want to stir-fry them, make sure the pan is very hot before adding the food to prevent it from boiling.
When to use frozen food?
Frozen vegetables can be incorporated into a variety of dishes: spaghetti sauce, soups, stews, stir-fries, gratins, risottos, salads, etc.
Check out this article for soup recipe ideas that you can prepare with this type of vegetable.
Frozen fruit can also be added to a multitude of recipes. For example, in muffins, cakes, and coulis. Get inspired by these summer desserts made with frozen fruit.
Smoothies are also a great way to use up your fruits and vegetables. You don't need to defrost them before blending. Discover tips for making perfect smoothies here.
To finish
Don't shun frozen fruits and vegetables! Instead, take advantage of their benefits by handling them properly. This will allow you to achieve the ideal texture while benefiting from their nutritional value and flavor.
Among all the products sold by l’épicier, we have a full range of good quality frozen fruits and vegetables for all your needs. Contact our customer service to find out more!
sources:
www.arcticgardens.ca/blog/fr/truth-frozen-vegetables/
www.macuisinesante.com/tag/nutritional-values-of-frozen-fruits-and-vegetables/
www.marciatack.fr/comment-utiliser-les-fruits-surgeles/
www.recettes.qc.ca/chroniques/chroniques-culinaires/article/cuisiner-les-surgeles-149
