Fresh Vegetable Recipes

Difference between frozen and fresh vegetables, nutritionally?

Are there any nutritional differences between the two? I prefer to buy frozen because they last longer.

Public Comments

1. From what I've read, fresh is always best because it's alive with more vital energy. Frozen is the next best because it's not processed or anything, but nothing beats fresh from the earth.
2. Frozen vegetables have now benn proven that they are more nutritious for you as they come to you "fresh" from the field so they say. and do not have to hang about in supermarkets for days and in lorries waiting to get to each country that they are allocated to. They are picked packed and frozen.
3. There is probably little nutritional difference between fresh and frozen vegetables. The nutrient content of frozen vegetables can be higher or lower compared with the fresh equivalent. It can be higher because the vegetables destined for freezing may have been picked at peak condition and frozen immediately after harvesting. In comparison, 'fresh' vegetables may lose some nutrients during transport and storage prior to purchase and subsequent cooking. Frozen vegetables can also lose nutrients if they are blanched prior to freezing. However, because blanching causes some tenderisation, less time is needed to cook frozen vegetables. The length and method of cooking (boiling, pressure cooking, steaming or microwaving) will ultimately have the greatest impact on the nutrient content of the vegetable when it appears on our plates.
4. Nutritionally? Essentially zero difference. USDA and Independent Labs tests continually support this conclusion. In a practical sense they are more nutritious as you are more likely to serve a greater variety if they are on-hand.
5. There is pretty much no difference. Frozen vegetables are par cooked and frozen very soon after harvest, locking in pretty much all their nutritional information. My only recommendation with frozen vegetables is to keep in mind that they were already flash-cooked. There is no need to cook them again, just heat them up. Overcooking them will destroy a lot of their nutritional value.
6. Fresh is better because...well...it is fresher! It has more fiber and is tastier!
7. no difference