Is Frozen Fruit As Healthy As Fresh Fruit?

The Yolk

Fresh Versus Frozen Fruit

• Fresh fruit
  • Nutrition degrades over time as fresh fruit from the store is sold days, if not months, after picking
• Frozen fruit
  • Frozen right after picking, at peak nutrition value
  • Nutrients may also degrade over time
• Fresh and frozen are essentially the same, nutritionally, depending on fruit variety

Vitamin C Research

• Vitamin C remained stable in frozen clementines and orange juice
• There may be more vitamin C in frozen strawberries
• No significant differences found in vitamin C content of fresh and frozen fruits
• Vitamin C is higher in some frozen fruit, and the same in others

Antioxidant Research

• Beta-carotene decreased in frozen blueberries and strawberries
• Fresh blueberries had more lutein present than frozen
• Raspberries showed no significant difference in fresh versus frozen
• Antioxidant level in fruits not affected by low temperatures and freezing

Perspective

• The amount of nutrition lost depends on the type of fruit and length of storage
• Do not worry about whether your fruit is frozen or fresh – eat it anyway
• Try to eat 5 servings (or even more) of fruits and vegetables in a day
  • 1 serving = 1 piece of regular sized fruit or about 1/2 cup

Research & Resources

• Maximizing the Nutritional Value of Fruits and Vegetables
• Higher intake of fruits and vegetables associated with lower mortality
• Vitamin retention in eight fruits and vegetables
• Antioxidants in fruits and storage conditions
• Is Fruit Healthy?