Often there is not enough time to prepare normal food, then semi-finished products come to the rescue: pelmeni , vareniki, etc. But such food adversely affects the figure, and even health. In this case, there is a great alternative - frozen vegetables.
Useful semi-finished products
Today in stores you can find a huge number of such products for every taste: Mexican mixture, cauliflower, mixture for soup, string beans, side dishes, mushrooms, etc. Frozen vegetables are inexpensive, so these semi-finished products are available to almost everyone. As for calories, in 100 g of such products there are about 90 of them. Another plus is that you will take quite a bit of time 10-15 minutes to cook. Sounds perfect, but is it really that good?
Action of cold
Frost works as canning, only without the addition of salt, sugar and other spices. But if to compare, then when preserving, about 50% of vitamins are retained, and when frozen, about 80%.
This does not apply to vegetables that you freeze yourself. In this case, first freeze the water, which will damage the flesh of vegetables and destroy vitamins.
In production, products are frozen in another way, which is called "shock." To remove all the enzymes, the vegetables are dipped into boiling water for a few seconds and then dried. After the products, a strong stream of icy air is frozen. Thanks to these manipulations, vitamins do not disappear, and the color of vegetables is preserved natural. Store the resulting mixture in a sealed package and at a negative temperature.
Which is better fresh or frozen?
If you compare the purchase of frozen and fresh imported vegetables, then sometimes the first option is much more useful. Since sometimes fresh products can spend a lot of time in the warehouse, and then on the counter and only then get to you. During this time a significant amount of useful substances can disappear. Yes, it's hard to believe, but, for example, in frozen cabbage there are many more vitamins than in foreign fresh analogs. Since vegetables are frozen almost immediately after harvesting. In addition, there is a huge difference in price, especially for non-seasonal vegetables.
Minus of vegetable fast food
There is only one significant minus of such products - they can not be thawed, and then frozen again. Because of this you will lose not only all useful substances, but also taste qualities. Therefore, before buying make sure that the mixture is not thawed, for this touch the package, its contents should be easily mixed. Some bona fide manufacturers put a special indicator on the packaging, which changes its color when the mixture is thawed.
Plus vegetable fast food
- Unlike other semi-finished products, vegetables do not contribute to the appearance of extra pounds.
- Vegetables can be added to rice, in soup or used as a separate garnish. Thanks to this, your menu will always be varied and tasty.
- To the dish was more nutritious, add vegetables to potatoes, pasta or meat.
- Prepared frozen vegetables can be completely different ways: in a frying pan, grilling, in a sauté pan and even in a microwave oven. Great option for lunch at work.
- You can fill vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, lemon juice, etc.
- With these products, you can lock the freezer and do not worry about dinner, if there is absolutely no time to prepare it.
- Frozen vegetables can be consumed by people who have problems with digestion and a fresh option they can not afford.