Frozen fruit health and calories

Spring and Summer bring an abundant harvest of various fruit. In most western countries a large number of such fruit is processed and preserved, the methods usually leading to additional calories being added and the healthy antioxidants being reduced from such fruit. But frozen fruit is in a different category. Research by the British Nutrition Foundation shows that in some cases frozen fruit and vegetables actually retain more nutrients than fresh produce sold in the markets.

This is because frozen fruit are picked and frozen within hours of harvest, whereas fresh fruit are stored and transported for several days before reaching the consumer. Another way of preserving fruit is by drying them. Dried fruit may have more flavor but because they contain no water they become less filling and you end up eating more, which causes weight gain. And they usually have added sugar! For example, 1 cup of dried blueberries (with added sugar) has 600 calories, while 1 cup of fresh blueberries has only 84 calories. So it is best to eat fresh fruit or frozen fruit for good health. Most frozen fruit and vegetables will keep for up to six months in a properly set freezer.