Veggies Anyone?

As a child, none of us enjoyed eating vegetables. If you did, you're just weird and I highly suggest seeking counseling. Jokes aside, as I have become older, I have really fallen "in love" with vegetables. Broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and squash are a few of my favorites. We all hear talk of "eat more of THIS vegetable! It will prevent diseases X, Y, and Z!" Well, who cares? Eat a variety of vegetables and you'll be good to go, I promise.

What it boils down to is which is better? Frozen or fresh?

I was proudly showing my freezer stocked with frozen vegetables to a friend which led him to ask why I had no fresh veggies which then led to me giving a vague explanation of why I consume frozen vegetables. Great question and I guess it is something I assume most people know. How silly of me.

Soooo, this is what has led me to write this incredibly interesting article which I am sure you all will find super gripping.... I hope. Fingers crossed over here.

As we all know, fresh vegetables are picked, sorted, and then sent away to our grocery stores where we choose what we want to include in our meals. What many do not know is that many of these vegetables are picked before there is time for them to ripen which hinders the development of vital micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to fully process and reach their highest potency. It's a shame and it almost seems like a person is being cheated because hello, one of the main reasons we all consume vegetables is to obtain those awesome micronutrients right? Anyway, along with that sad fact, as the vegetables are in transit to the grocery store, pollutants from the road and vehicles are breezing over these precious gems. Mmmmmm, car fumes.  In addition to car pollutants, heat exposition can break down many of the nutrients leading to a lower level of obtaining vitamins and minerals.

On the other hand, frozen vegetables are picked at prime ripeness and then flash frozen to help preserve the nutrients. A very important step in freezing is for the veggies to be blanched to remove dirt, enzymes, and bacteria. The benefits of frozen vegetables are that they maintain a longer "shelf-life" and are in season all year, as opposed to fresh vegetables. The other great thing for lazy people like myself is that frozen vegetables can be purchased chopped and pre-cut. Makes life a whole lot easier. Cost wise, frozen veggies are cheap! Some brands are more expensive and this is usually with the steam-bags. Steaming or microwaving is the best way to go because this helps reduce the loss of water-soluble vitamins (vitamins C & B).

I am not trying to sway or persuade anyone.  could write about Farmer's Markets, studies, home-grown vegetables but I already spent my time writing essays in college. Over it.Personally, I am a fan of frozen vegetables. They are quick and easy to prepare and I love that I do not have to spend too much money. I also really like the idea of the nutrients being preserved rather than many of them being lost in fresh vegetables. Regardless, if you eat a variety of vegetables, you can't go wrong.