Which is Better, Fresh, Frozen, or Tinned Vegetables
The price of everything is going up and shoppers are looking for a way to keep their family fed without paying more and that brings about the question... which is better, fresh, frozen or tinned vegetables?
12/04/2022
Trying to make ends meet when everything is costing more is becoming increasingly difficult for many families. The recent pandemic and the situation overseas are pushing up the prices across the board. We are seeing huge price hikes for groceries, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find ways to feed the family without paying more. This begs the question, "Which is better - fresh, frozen or tinned vegetables?"
Fresh is Better?
Fresh vegetables have always been the go-to-choice when feeding a family on a budget. Not only fresh and crunchy but fresh vegetables are also seen as healthy foods. We have been led to believe that fresh is always better and fresh vegetables pack more goodness than alternatives. Yes, fresh vegetables have no additives - no chemicals - no artificial colourants and that is what drives many to choose fresh vegetables. But, like many other foods these days, even fresh vegetables are starting to cost a pretty penny.
The downside to fresh vegetables is that they don't stay fresh for long. I always buy fresh fruits and some vegetables at my local produce store, but I have noticed that, if they are not consumed immediately, they don't last long, and I end up tossing them into the compost heap and then having to run out and buy more. The only way to keep vegetables fresh for longer is to blanche them and pack them away in the freezer, but not all vegetables can be treated in this way.
Nothing beats the visual appeal of fresh, crunchy, or juicy salad ingredients and there is no substitute for fresh salad greens, tomatoes, cucumber and other crispy greens.
Frozen is More Convenient?
Frozen vegetables are definitely more convenient than fresh vegetables and they are also longer lasting. But did you know that frozen vegetables contain far more nutrients than fresh?
It is a fact that the freezing process used on vegetables ensures that they are healthy and nutritious. Frozen veggies contain more essential antioxidants and accessible vitamins than fresh vegetables do, whereas fresh vegetables stored in the fridge lose most of these the longer they are kept. When boiling fresh vegetables, most of the essential nutrients are left behind in the water and that is why it is recommended that you steam vegetables rather than boil them.
Bet you didn't know that many produce stores have stock kept frozen for long-term storage before putting them on the shelf, or that on the way from farm to store, many vegetables are placed in cold storage for transport?
Another reason you should consider using frozen vegetables more is that they save on waste. When we are all about reducing our household waste, frozen vegetables do give us the convenience to only cook what we need - when we need it.
When convenience is a must for hard-working families, there is nothing easier than frozen vegetables.
Is Tinned Food Health?
Tinned foods, including assorted vegetables, contain just as many nutrients as frozen foods. The only bad side to tinned vegetables is the added preservatives, sodium, sugar, colourants, and such. Tinned foods actually maintain vitamins and minerals as these are unchanged due to the canning process.
However, you only have to browse the shelves at your local supermarket to know that tinned foods, while offering convenience, are expensive and likely to become even more expensive this year. If you do end up in the tinned vegetable aisle of your local supermarket, keep an eye open for specials and stock up on these.
Conclusion
Fresh vegetables will always offer something that frozen cannot - a crispy, crunchy texture that frozen or tinned foods cannot beat. Fresh vegetables are also visually appealing when chopped, diced and sliced and served raw or as a salad. But if it is convenience you are looking for, and also cost, frozen vegetables have a lot to offer. And finally, if you are craving a vegetable - or fruit - that is seasonal and not available fresh or frozen, there is always the possibility of finding a canned version.