9 Foods You Should Always Buy Frozen

There has been considerable debate about whether it’s better to purchase certain foods fresh or frozen.  There is certainly something to be said for fresh foods, especially when their peak season has arrived.  For instance, strawberries picked straight from the farm are a real treat. However, not all foods are better fresh. Here are 9 foods you should always buy frozen.

Research has shown that frozen foods retain their nutrients better than fresh foods because nutrients tend to degrade rather quickly.  As we all know, the more minerals and vitamins included in your diet can lead to a healthier you.  Here are some foods that are particularly beneficial when frozen:

Bell peppers

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Since most people do not eat them raw, bell peppers are generally served in their cooked state, and that makes them ideal to purchase frozen.  Frozen bell peppers retain more antioxidants and Vitamin C than fresh ones due to the oxidation of the nutrients, causing them to lose the advantage of being served fresh. If you’re a bargain shopper, you’ll want to keep frozen bell peppers on your list, as they are usually less expensive than those in the fresh produce section. 

Spinach

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There are not many green vegetables more nutritious than spinach thanks to its plethora of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Spinach leaves lose a significant percentage of all those good nutrients as they begin to lose their freshness. Frozen spinach will last a lot longer, and you will not lose any of their natural goodness. You’ll also find that frozen spinach costs less than fresh spinach, so you can save money on your grocery budget as well.

Kale

Frozen kale is generally prepared in the same manner as frozen spinach, making it suitable for a variety of delicious recipes.  Experienced shoppers know that fresh kale can have somewhat of a tough texture, and it’s usually very bulky.  If you’ve ever eaten fresh kale, you may not have liked its unique taste. On the other hand, frozen kale has a completely different texture and flavor that is more suitable for cooking and consumption.

Avocados

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Frozen avocados have not always been readily available, but that has recently changed. Consumer demand has dictated that avocados become more available for various uses, such as sauces, dressings, and even smoothies. Avocados have a wonderful creamy texture and are considered a superfood.  Purchasing frozen avocados means that you will not have to wait for them to perfectly ripen or worry about them spoiling too soon.

Blueberries

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Blueberries are one of the very best fruits to buy frozen, especially during their off-season. Frozen blueberries are loaded with antioxidants that are preserved during the freezing process. Many blueberries picked during the season are shipped across the country, causing an immediate loss of those wonderful antioxidants for which this fruit is known.  While sitting on grocery store shelves, there will be further degradation and loss of antioxidants. When using frozen blueberries, you will not have to worry about losing any of the real benefits this fruit can deliver. 

Butternut squash

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Did you know butternut squash is a fruit?  This savory food packs a punch of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.  If you were to purchase butternut squash fresh and prepare it for an evening meal, it would take considerable effort to do all the necessary peeling, cutting, and roasting. By contrast, preparing frozen butternut squash requires no more effort than making a tasty soup or baking it in the oven for a short time.  You’ll save a lot of time and money by purchasing frozen butternut squash.

Raspberries

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When raspberries are picked during the right season, they can be very fresh and retain all their nutrients for a short period of time. However, that ideal serving time quickly evaporates, and the berries will begin to lose all their freshness and some of their nutrients. You can find frozen raspberries at any time of year in your grocery store for half the price it would cost you to purchase fresh berries. Raspberries can be incorporated into many different recipes, and they will have the same sweet flavor, as well as all their nutrients, when purchased frozen.

Broccoli

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Broccoli is loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, fiber, and calcium, but all these healthy nutrients begin to deteriorate after it’s been stored in your refrigerator for a while. You’ll be much better off to purchase frozen broccoli for use in your pasta, veggie bowls, or a featured side dish. Some frozen broccoli is sold in bags that go directly in the steamer, which is a quick and delicious way to get all the benefits this green vegetable has to offer.

Spiralized veggies

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Spiralized veggies are vegetables that have been cut up with special slicing blades to make them look similar to pasta. The most popular spiral veggie is zucchini.  The big appeal is their low carb content, as opposed to pasta, so they’re great for satisfying a sudden craving.  They’re also a creative way to get kids to eat their vegetables.  The frozen form of these veggies is healthier than the dry version sold in boxes because they do not contain additives or preservatives.