Fresh or Frozen?

Ever wonder if the frozen vegetables you are eating are as nutritious as fresh? If you are busy and don't have time to shop or prepare fresh veggies and are feeling guilty over not using the fresh, listen up!

Studies show that the nutrients in frozen vegetables are "locked in" following the freezing process. Fresh vegetables lose nutrients from the time they are harvested to when they are purchased, brought home, and sit in your crisper drawer until they are eaten. Frozen vegetables are picked at the peak of perfection, or at optimal maturity. They are picked, flash boiled, and frozen soon after harvest to lock in the nutrition and flavor.

Many frozen vegetables have no added sodium, or may have just a small amount added. Many frozen veggies are plain and can be used in a variety of recipes or side dishes, but some already have low fat sauces on them, so they are easy to microwave and serve! My favorite are the Green Giant boxed veggies. They are perfect for my husband and me to share. Green Giant also just came out with a Just For ONE! pack of veggies that provide just one serving. Make sure you read the labels of the veggies with sauce added to make sure the sodium or fat is not too high for your personal needs.

When it comes right down to it, any vegetable is good! Whether it is raw, cooked, frozen, canned, they all still have lots of health benefits. Eat your veggies!

For an interactive game for kids about vegetables, visit www.mightygiants.com
Photo courtesy of Green Giant

Labels: convenience, Tara Gidus, vegetables

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