How Do You Cook with Frozen Foods?

Nothing beats fresh, ripe fruits and veggies when they’re in season and local. But when they’re picked before they’re ripe, shipped overseas, and in storage for months? Forget about it!

One way we can get nutritious foods even in the colder months is by choosing frozen instead. No, we’re not talking about microwavable frozen entrees that are packed with sodium—we’re talking about frozen fruits and veggies that we can stock in our freezers to use in recipes.

Benefits of using frozen foods

• While some cans are lined with the endocrine-disrupting BPA, frozen foods are a way of preserving foods without this harmful chemical.
• In many cases, frozen foods cook much faster than fresh. They’re also generally chopped and prepared, saving you precious time.
• Frozen fruits and veggies have come a long way in recent years. You can now find organic and sustainable frozen options at natural health retailers!
• Unlike fresh foods that need to be shipped, frozen foods can be picked at their peak ripeness—allowing for optimal nutrition—and instantly frozen, so as not to let any of the nutrition escape.
• Throwing your own excess fruits and veggies into the freezer can help cut down on food waste. Add them to casserole dishes, soups, stews, and stir-fries at a later date.

Frozen food recipes
Check out our article “Frozen Fruits & Vegetables” for more benefits, plus recipes. We’ve also compiled some other delicious alive recipes that make use of frozen foods:

• Spicy Ginger Colada Smoothie

This tropical-inspired smoothie uses frozen banana and pineapple.

• Black Rice Arctic Char Salad

Think of this recipe as sushi, deconstructed. It makes use of shelled frozen edamame—a great staple to have on hand as a snack, or to add a touch of sophistication to dishes.

• Vegetarian Chili

Using frozen corn kernels (and any other frozen veggies that you have on hand) helps cut down on cooking time in this classic chili recipe.

How do you cook with frozen foods?

Let us know via blog or Facebook comments or by tweeting at us @alivehealth!