Veggies Frozen or Fresh?

From what I've read, flash-frozen veggies very often have more nutrients intact than the fresh ones that have traveled from the grower to the grocery, and perhaps sat around for a few days. While my brain "gets" that, my palate can't seem to come to terms with the texture of frozen veggies... they never seem to have that "snap" of fresh veggies when I prepare them (usually in a stir fry or steamed); and I can usually spot a frozen veggie in my meal from a mile away...maybe someone has advice on making them more palatable.

It used to be that it took a long time for vegetables to be processed from field to table and so frozen was better. Now there are mobile packaging facilities that can literally have veg on the road to the store within hours of picking. If it is an out of season item, consider where it is being shipped from (i.e. Chile or Peru) when making your decision, but for the most part fresh and frozen are very close nutritiously in the States, Canada or UK. Another thing to consider: I tend to grab the fresh out of the fridge more readily and forget my frozen items, so my style means fresh is more nutritious. And less expensive since I end up tossing frost-bitten peas and corn quite a bit.

I think peas and corn are the best of the frozen veggies. The rest I'd manage with when fresh is gone.

Although I prefer fresh veggies, and will usually default to them for dinner and large meals, I do use the individual steam pack frozen veggies for lunch...purely for convenience purposes. It's so easy to chuck it into the microwave, and then mix with tuna and brown rice. I'll always buy fresh salad items for dinner in summer, and then switch over to fresh veggies in winter. Best of both worlds.

I used to prep my lunch veggies, but I'm time poor at the moment so the frozen steam bags are a lifesaver. I guess it comes down to your preferences, and priorities. If you're happy with fresh, and have the time to prepare, then there's no reason to change.

Regarding the nutritional differences; the difference in nutrients is so minimal it's really not worth worrying about, and so small that your body would know no difference.

I can't believe that if there is a difference that it's enough to make a difference. I buy whichever is cheaper.

I always have frozen spinach and kale on hand for omelets, soups, smoothies, etc. Frozen peas, broccoli for different dishes. I also buy fresh veggies like lettuce, peppers, zucchini, asparagus, carrots, potatoes, fresh broccoli for roasting. I like having both.. and frozen is good in a pinch.

I find that frozen veggies are best if you put them into other dishes, like soups, casseroles, etc. I eat a lot of fresh veggies and just buy them every few days. Our family goes through produce quite quickly and I find I'm making a trip to the store every couple of days. No veggies go bad in my fridge! I don't think there's much difference nutritionally between frozen and fresh.

Fresh tastes better. Frozen is more convenient. Nutrition-wise there is little difference between them.

Stop focusing on the last 1% of 1% of healthiness and just eat a balanced, portion controlled diet. You'll live a happier, richer and healthier life in general.

If you are looking for the convenience of frozen in the fresh they have a section in produce section where veggies are already washed and cut up if that helps.