November 20, 2006
Fresh vs Frozen
I was doing some research on the quality of fresh vegetables versus frozen ones. Reason being sometimes I just cannot finish eating all the fresh vegetables I bought and I have to throw them out, which is such a waste. Also, unlike in the wet markets or supermarkets in Singapore, I find that the Chinese vegetables here are sold in HUGE bundles here. It’s so boring to have to eat the same vegetable for a few days, my taste buds are complaining.
If you like me are wondering if frozen and canned vegetables are as nutritious as fresh vegetables, the answer to this question depends on both the time between the harvesting of the vegetable and the canning and freezing process. Frozen fruits and vegetables are blanched (cooked for a short time in boiling water or steamed) and frozen within hours of being picked and processed at their peak in terms of freshness and nutrition!
That is great news for people like me who cook in small quantities each time. Frozen vegetables fit into my weekly recipe schedule, because I don’t have to worry about using the whole packet of frozen vegetables quickly.
Unfortunately, I still have to buy my Chinese vegetables fresh. I don’t think I will ever find Kang Kong or Watercress in frozen form.
The above picture is a dish of Stir-fried Beef with Peppers, using frozen green, red and yellow peppers, pre-cut in strips. The fact that it is pre-cut makes the prep time even shorter (for lazy cooks like me).
Season beef with salt and pepper. Transfer to wok which has 1-2 tbsp of vegetable oil preheated. Add minced garlic and stir fry beef until color changes. Set aside. Transfer frozen peppers to wok. Add salt and pepper and stir fry for about 8 minutes or until they softened. Transfer beef back to the wok and add some oyster sauce. Mix well. Serve with steamed white rice.
Hooray for frozen vegetables! They last longer and saves on preparation time. What’s not to like about frozen vegetables?
Bite This!
More recipes:
Fried Potatoes With Beef Easy Chinese Recipe Made Un-Easy By A Baby
Sushi Maru - For A Quick Japanese Meal Fix
Ravioli With Spinach And Ricotta Cheese - Off The Shelf
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November 20th, 2006 at 3:54 pm
Guess what… Although living in Singapore, we do buy frozen veg. Mum says we are mad. But we find it most convenient.
We use to throw away so much good veg because there was not time to cook it. By the time we want to eat them they are already so soft, etc.
So since last year, we started buying frozen veg, not the typical mix veg that is chopped up peas carrots and corn type. But whole broccoli, snap peas, red and green capcicums, etc kind. They are quite tasty actually.
November 20th, 2006 at 5:22 pm
Hello KeropokMan, Thanks for visiting. Frozen vegetables makes the food prep for stir-fry so much easier eh?
November 20th, 2006 at 5:58 pm
Well, if you want to be like me (who doesn’t?), you can take it a step further by buying frozen entree. Hee-hee.
November 20th, 2006 at 9:58 pm
wow..frozen vegetables..there no such thing in M’sia yet..I sure will buy if selling here…just like u..fresh vegetables can’t keep longer time..hai…I’m no time to go supermarket everyday ler..
November 21st, 2006 at 5:40 am
DaddyForever, I have frozen waffles for breakfast sometimes :p
Msaufong, I am surprised you cannot find frozen vegetables in Malaysia supermarkets!?!? Which part of M’sia is that?!?!
November 22nd, 2006 at 1:41 am
I also have the same problem. You’ve made frozen vegetables another option for me. Hooray!
January 2nd, 2007 at 6:37 am
i like the frozen veggies from trader joes!
i wonder if you could freeze part of the fresh vegetables you buy to use later… hmm.. i should try it sometime.