Berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries, are one of nature's best sources of antioxidants. Studies show that antioxidant levels in berries remain stable long after they're frozen.
Typically, frozen produce retains most of its nutrients, although there may be small variations in nutrient value. Just like fresh or canned fruit and vegetables, 80g counts as one of your five-a-day.
Freezing doesn't significantly diminish berries' nutrition. In fact, berries are harvested for freezing when they're at the peak of freshness, so you can enjoy them all year round.
During the blanching process, heat-sensitive nutrients like Vitamins B and C may be diminished. Freezing may also reduce the antioxidant content of fruits and berries. Frozen fruits and veggies also often contain preservatives in order for them to maintain longer shelf life.
Look for fresh-frozen fruits and vegetables that have been properly stored, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends. Packages should feel firm. They shouldn't be limp, wet or sweating, which are signs of thawing.
Many people erroneously believe that “fresh is best”, but when it comes to berries, the frozen varieties have a higher concentration of nutritional elements, and are often spared from the large amounts of pesticides that are used on fresh berries found in a supermarket.
One cup of frozen raspberries is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, while also being one of the lowest in natural sugar content compared to other berries.
Frozen blueberries are rich in antioxidants
The vitamin C, vitamin A, and the phytonutrients available in blueberries function as powerful antioxidants that can help protect cells against damage from disease-linked free radicals.
While it takes a little time and some prep work, consider freezing fresh fruit instead. Not only are you getting more for your money, but the fresh summer fruit that's coming into season is likely to pack more flavor than what you're buying the freezer section.
It also means less spoilage, allowing you to enjoy produce when it's close to its nutritional best – that is, whenever you decide to consume it. In fact, research has revealed that frozen fruits and vegetables can have just as many vitamins – and sometimes more – as compared to fresh.
The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) clarifies that frozen fruit is safe and ready-to-eat straight from the package, no need to wash it. This is due to its higher levels of acidity and sugar, making it unlikely that harmful bacteria could grow on it at freezer temperatures.
There's no downside to eating blueberries every day because they're so healthy. But Zumpano says you'll get the most benefits from fresh, uncooked organic berries. While delicious, blueberry pancakes or muffins aren't quite as healthy. “Antioxidants can be harmed by heat,” Zumpano explains.
So where do ALDI's frozen berries come from? Our frozen berries are sourced from over 130 hectares of farming land nestled along the coast of Chile, in South America. The growing regions have been carefully selected for their rich soil and good climate.
Foods sold in containers – frozen vegetables and frozen fruit, for instance – are good processed foods, often frozen at the peak of their freshness. Canned produce, likewise, can be another good, relatively affordable, way to get your vegetables.
Frozen fruit will last up to 18 months
The US Department of Health recommends consuming frozen fruits like berries and melons within 10 to 18 months of purchase. Meanwhile, fruits like bananas should be consumed within 2-3 months, apples within 8 months, and kiwi shouldn't even be frozen.
One serving from the fruit group equals 1 cup of fresh fruit, 1 cup of frozen fruit, 1 cup of 100% fruit juice, or 1/2 cup of dried fruit. Therefore, aim for about 2 cups of fresh or frozen fruit per day or 1 cup of dried fruit daily.
A+ in Vitamin A
Knock out 25% of your daily requirement when you toss 1 cup of frozen mango in your smoothie. Not only does vitamin A support your immune system, it's also essential to your eyes and vision. And it helps your heart, lungs, and kidneys function well.
The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) clarifies that frozen fruit is safe and ready-to-eat straight from the package, no need to wash it. This is due to its higher levels of acidity and sugar, making it unlikely that harmful bacteria could grow on it at freezer temperatures.
But research shows that frozen blueberries might have the edge over fresh berries when it comes to health. Studies conducted at the South Dakota State University show that freezing blueberries makes their powerful antioxidants more available to the human body.