Fresh, Frozen or Canned Fruits and Vegetables?

Q:

Which is better:  Fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables?

A: 

Fruits and vegetables are good for you no matter what form they take.

Research has found little difference in the nutritional value of fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables.  Most frozen or canned produce is processed and packaged within hours of being harvested.  The quick turnaround allows the produce to maintain most of its nutritional value.  The same can’t always be said for fresh produce.  For example: strawberries picked in California, transported on a truck to MN, and finally put on display in the store.  How fresh are those strawberries?

Regardless of how they are packaged, it is important to consume fruit and vegetables everyday.  Here is some additional information to help you incorporate canned and frozen produce into daily meals:

•Concerned about Salt - Canned produce contributes only 1% of the salt in a consumer’s diet

•Reduce the Salt – Draining the canned produce will reduce the sodium content by 40%

•Avoid Sauces - Choose plain frozen vegetables vs. vegetables with butter, cream, or cheese sauces

•Minimal Preparation - Many canned or frozen vegetables just need to be heated and served.  No additional preparation is needed.

The following websites were used as a reference in answering the question:

http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/5-facts-about-canned-foods

http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442451032