Fast facts about frozen food

Despite misconceptions surrounding it, frozen food can actually be as nutritious and tasty as a fresh food item that has been sitting for a while

- VAISHALI DAR

FREEZING IS ONE of the oldest ways to preserve food. In the earlier days, only salt, sugar and ice were frozen so that they could be made available in the next season. But today, storing food - whether it is fruits, vegetables, snacks or meals - in the refrigerator has become a way of life.

Despite this widespread practice, frozen food often gets a bad name. This is primarily because people think it won't taste as good or be as nutritious. But ask experts, and they would say frozen food can, in fact, be a better choice for both taste and nutritional value.

"The lesser the exposure to chemicals, the better a food item can be in terms of nutrition. Vegetables, fruits, non-vegetarian food items and nuts can be all frozen and this method is a good alternative in the absence of fresh foods like in extreme weather conditions (in the mountains), or in far-off places where cultivation or preparation of food is not possible (in extremely cold weather conditions like in Antarctica)," says Shweta Gupta, unit head - dietetics, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi.

Dr Yashika Dua of Artemis Lite Hospital, Gurugram, says it's a myth that frozen foods suffer loss of nutrients. According to her, freezing retains nutrients better than fresh produce that has been sitting for a while. "Frozen foods are just as healthy as fresh ones as they are typically frozen at their peak ripeness. When cooked properly, frozen produce can be just as delicious as fresh options. In fact, freezing can help in preserving nutritional value by halting enzyme activity," she says.