Stock your freezer with 11 fruits and vegetables that are tasty, good for you- and will save some money, too!
Stock your freezer with 11 fruits and vegetables that are tasty, good for you- and will save some money, too!
The supermarket can paralyze your mind. Too many decisions come into play within the aisles. Paper or plastic? Self-checkout or cashier? No-frills generic or brand name? Fresh or frozen? In the latter quandary, fresh produce is seemingly the safer bet, but don't ice out frozen fruits and vegetables just yet.
Studies by IFR Extra have shown that produce can lose up to 45% of its essential nutrients during the journey from farm to table—a period that can last as long as 16 days. These berries, melons, tomatoes, and greens can be exposed to pesticides, extreme heat, and light during transport, further compromising their freshness and nutritional value.
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By contrast, most frozen fruits and vegetables are promptly blanched, boiled, or steamed, and then frozen within hours of being picked, a process that helps lock in both fresh taste and nutritional value. Frozen produce is also available year-round, and in most cases is cheaper than fresh. It's high time, then, to stock your freezer with these underappreciated nutritional powerhouses.
At just 59 calories per ear, corn is packed with fiber, antioxidants, and B vitamins. It's a great source of carotenoids like lutein that protect your eyes from macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. Add corn kernels to your salad, soup, or black bean salsa. Sauté with finely chopped jalapeño, cilantro, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for Mexican esquites (that's "toasted corn" to you, Gringo). Or enjoy the whole ear—just skip the butter.
Steamed broccoli helps lower cholesterol and detoxifies the body. It's also a good source of fiber to aid in digestion, kaempferol to fight inflammation, and vitamins K and A to ward off vitamin D deficiency. Toss some florets with whole-wheat pasta or orzo; use them in morning omelets; or stir-fry with thinly sliced sirloin, finely chopped garlic, and low-sodium soy sauce for a quick weeknight dinner.
Rich in eye-protecting phytonutrients, green beans also help your bones stay strong, thanks to their high concentration of silicon. Use them in a classic Niçoise salad made with omega-3-packed tuna and potatoes, or sauté with sliced garlic, cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes for a spicy low-cal side.
This cruciferous veggie helps reduce the risk of cancer, particularly prostate, bladder, andcolon cancers. Chop in the food processor, then microwave in a covered dish for an alternative to rice; or purée with fennel seeds to make a dip or soup.
They help lower cholesterol, protect your DNA, and have anti-cancer benefits. Throw them on a sheet pan with a little olive oil and chopped garlic and roast at 400° for 35–40 minutes.
Packed with cancerreducing antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, spinach is also a rich source of iron. You can add chopped spinach to lasagna, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, or any sauce or soup for added flavor and nutrients.
Winter Squash is like a multivitamin on your plate, protecting you from a host of ills. Top puréed winter squash with cinnamon and maple syrup for a cold-weather treat. Or for a more savory soup, blend squash, low-sodium broth, and sautéed onion and creamier variation.
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A that's great for your vision, and heart-healthy antioxidants. Throw frozen carrots (right out of the bag) into stews and soups—do so earlier in the cooking process if you prefer them more tender, or toward the end for a little more crunch.
A cup of blueberries is just 71 calories with six grams of fiber. It's hard to believe how much cancer-fighting power is packed into such a small superfruit. Keep them on hand to boost the flavor and nutrients in your protein shakes, or add frozen blueberries to hot oatmeal.
These fruits are high in calcium, potassium, B vitamins, and antioxidants. Add some peaches to cottage cheese for a high-protein, low-carb postworkout snack. Bake with cinnamon and a touch of agave; top with low-fat frozen yogurt.
Research links cherries' red color—provided by the fruit's powerful anthocyanins—to a reduction in inflammation, total cholesterol, and belly fat. Defrost some cherries and put them on top of plain Greek yogurt.
Photo credit:
Nick Ferrari
Page Title:
Antioxidants - Vitamins - Health Benefits of Frozen Fruits Vegetables