Frozen food isn’t always seen as appetizing. There’s a stigma associated with frozen food lacking freshness, but the truth is freezing food conceals freshness. Using frozen food is very convenient, saves on time, and helps you make a meal in a rush. We all live busy, demanding, lives–which sometimes requires us to cut down our time on preparing meals. It takes much longer to prepare a healthy meal with fresh ingredients as opposed to using frozen food. This list will be comprehensive, and it will show you six frozen foods that can be a good addition to any meal.
1. Berries
When certain berries are out of season they can be quite expensive. You aren’t only saving money by buying them frozen, but you are also purchasing a product loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Frozen berries are always fresh and they retain their taste and health properties during the freezing process better than buying them grown out of season. These berries can be defrosted and used as a snack or added to a bowl of oatmeal. They can be blended into a smoothie or added as a topping to your favorite dessert.
2. Broccoli
Finding a nice green stalk of broccoli at the supermarket can pose an arduous endeavor. You aren’t sure how long each stalk has been sitting in the produce section, and the water doesn’t keep them nearly as fresh as they were, when first placed out for sale. Frozen broccoli is normally better than fresh broccoli due to this fact. The product you purchase will be consistent every time. Broccoli is a high source of vitamin C, low in calories, high in protein, and a good source of fiber.
3. Mangoes
Mangoes are available year round due to their two overlapping seasons, but they are being shipped from different locations depending on the time of the year. This factor can cut into the quality of the mango you’re buying. At least if you’re planning to purchase frozen mangoes, you will get an item that was at its peak when frozen. Mangoes are packed with vitamin C, have a good source of vitamin A, and they aid skin repair.
4. Peas
These are versatile in many different dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Buying them fresh limits your quantity of peas; there are normally only seven peas to a pod. Frozen peas taste better than what’s provided in a can, and have less preservatives because they’re frozen fresh. Peas are an excellent source of protein, fiber and vitamin C.
5. Edamame
This soybean is packed with protein, iron, and calcium. Frozen edamame has consistency in the product because it’s frozen within 24 hours of harvesting. These soybeans can be added to rice or pasta dishes, served warm after being defrosted or even added to wraps for a nice crunch.
6. Mixed/Stir Fry Vegetables
There are many different medley mixtures available in the frozen section of your supermarket. Find one that suits your needs and add it into a quick five minute stir fry dish. These vegetables will taste like you prepared the dish yourself. This method is also a lot easier on your wallet, and if you don’t like to cook, or don’t have any culinary skills; this is a good alternative that you can depend on day in and day out.
To make this dish healthier you could substitute the brown sugar for coconut sugar and omit the oil and fry with water. This is an entirely up to your palate, but there are many variations you could substitute in if you’d like. Get creative and cherish this moment of bliss. This dish only takes approximately five minutes to prepare and cook.
Featured photo credit: Viktor Hanacek via allrecipes.com
