Frozen food items have been staging a remarkable comeback throughout Australia. Their increased accessibility and convenience have made them hard to ignore for many consumers. The immense diversity of frozen foods means that you will always find something that suits your specific tastes and objectives. In addition, consuming frozen foods does not mean that you’re consuming foods with lower nutrition levels either. In fact, many people will opine that frozen fruits and vegetables pack a lot more nutrients in them than their fresher counterparts. Moreover, eating out or ordering a takeaway will inevitably cost you more than purchasing frozen produce. Portioning and preparing frozen foods can be easier as well. For these reasons, more and more people have been including various frozen food items in their diets.

Some of the most popular frozen produce that people typically purchase include:

• Raspberries: Farmers typically pick these berries and freeze them at peak levels of freshness. So, when you purchase them, you will get berries filled with all the nutrients they contain.
• Broccoli: Many people will be aware that broccoli contains a myriad of nutrients. From calcium and fibre to vitamins C & A, it contains them all. But, if stored in the fridge for some days, it can lose its nutritional value. Therefore, buy frozen broccoli and use it in appropriate portions.
• Spinach: Spinach ranks among the most nutritious green foods. However, it can deteriorate quickly and lose much of its nutritional value. Thus, buy frozen spinach and use it in all your meals. Frozen spinach will yield the same antioxidant, vitamin and mineral benefits that its fresher variety offers.
• Blueberries: People often buy frozen blueberries rather than fresh ones. This will usually be the case because at the time of picking, the antioxidants present in the berries will freeze and thus, remain preserved. In contrast, transporting fresh blueberries across the country can cause the berries to lose their nutritional value.
• Bell Peppers: Dietitians and health experts opine that frozen bell peppers contain more antioxidants and vitamin C than fresh ones. This will especially be so if the freezing takes place immediately after picking.
• Avocado: Frozen avocadoes can be among the bestselling fine food products the world over. People typically like adding avocadoes to their smoothies. Alternatively, they use them in dressings and sauces. Waiting for fresh avocadoes to ripen can make them spoil. However, frozen varieties can help you get the desired creamy texture with minimal fuss.
• Brussels Sprouts: These vegetables can be quite pricey. And, the price can increase even more significantly if these vegetables happen to be out-of-season. But, frozen varieties can be more affordable. Some people avoid defrosting brussels sprouts to prevent them from becoming watery or mushy. Instead, they roast them in olive oil for 30 – 40 minutes and brown them before use.
• Carrots: You might find fresh carrots available in the markets throughout the year. But, these carrots will not last for long. After only a few days in the fridge, the carrots could begin losing their nutritional value. In contrast, farmers freeze carrots shortly after the harvest. Thus, they remain rich sources of fibre, vitamin A and beta-carotene nutrients.
• Cauliflowers: This versatile vegetable can taste just as good when frozen as it does when fresh. However, purchasing frozen cauliflower can be more convenient and cheaper. The snap-freeze process locks all the nutrients inside the vegetable. So, you will get all the vitamin C benefits you need whenever you sauté, steam or boil the frozen cauliflower.

Besides the fruits and vegetables listed above, you could also find dozens of others on sale in your local supermarkets and big box stores. Reputed suppliers of frozen produce will also stock frozen peas, corn etc. By incorporating these fruits and vegetables in your diet, you can rest assured about giving your body the recommended amount of nutrients it requires.

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