Did you know that in 1929 that Clarence Frank Birdseye II was the entrepreneurial inventor of Frozen Food? Thanks to Mr Birdseye and his Fantastic Frozen Food Machine we have convenience and preservation benefits of frozen fruits, veggies, seafood and meats
This is a modern luxury I am grateful for. Imagining having to rely on only sourcing fresh food. What do you think it would do to our food supply?
Mr Birdseye’s ‘fast freezing’ technique preserves the colour and nutrients in the food so that when thawed it still fresh and tasty as well as being just as healthy for you as fresh food.
Here are 7 Tips to keep in mind when it comes to frozen fruits and veggies:
1. No Additives and Preservatives
Most frozen vegetables are free of additives and preservatives. Be sure to check the package label as some companies may add sugar or salt.
2. Enjoy Frozen Fruit Frozen
Frozen fruits can be enjoyed directly from the bag. I enjoy eating frozen fruit in summer as a healthy alternative to an ice block.
3. Do NOT Eat Frozen Vegetables Frozen
Frozen vegetables must be cooked to prevent potential bacteria growth. Eating Frozen Vegetables straight from the freezer may make you unwell hence best avoided.
4. Blanch Vegetables Before Freezing
When freezing vegetables, blanch vegetables prior. This can be done by plunging the vegetables in freezing water and patting them dry before bagging. Be sure to leave expansion room at the top of each bag and take out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
5. Cook Frozen Vegetables Frozen
No need to thaw frozen vegetables before cooking as they will lose flavour and nutrients. Cook them frozen for the tastiest results.
6. Steam or Roast Frozen Vegetables
The best way to cook frozen vegetables without getting soggy is either steamed or roasted. For roasted vegetables cook on a baking sheet at 200 degrees Celsius coated with olive oil & salt.
7. Do Not Boil Vegetables
Boiling is not recommended as frozen vegetables are already full of moisture, and by boiling it adds even more moisture to the vegetables.
Boiling usually results in water-logged and mushy veggies which are not great to eat. Plus, boiling can cause some of the nutrients to seep out.
If you could design a frozen meal that was both healthy and delicious, what ingredients would you include and why?
References used for writing this article
- Clarence Birdseye Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com – KidsKonnect, December 30, 2020
- Cooking with Frozen Vegetables – Blue Apron, January 13, 2022
- The Kidpreneurs Email Newsletter – Kidpreneurs, March 11, 2023
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