Food experts say that frozen foods can be a lifesaver when you are in a rush or don’t have ingredients to make a meal from scratch.  Most of us can relate to this, given the increased effects of Coronavirus with lockdowns keeping most of us indoors. 

However, you must be careful when deciding what to store in your freezer. Typically, the healthiest frozen foods are single-ingredient and free of sugar. Go for high-quality whole foods that you can easily use as an ingredient to make another healthy meal. 

So, what are some of the healthy food items worth occupying your freezer space? Read on to find out.

• Vegetables

Frozen veggies are an incredible way of ensuring you will always get your hands on the farm produce you love no matter the season. Since they are picked fresh before freezing, the vitamin and mineral component is preserved, so there is nothing to worry about. 

Another great benefit of frozen vegetables is less wastage since you will only pick what you need from your freezer other than having fresh produce go bad in a refrigerator. 

However, avoid vegetables that come with fatty sauces or packages that contain a lot of added sodium. If you are getting your supply from your local food distributor Montreal company, be sure to specify that you intend to freeze them. 

• Fruits

For fruits, keep bags of mangoes, berries, oranges, and other fruits you can use in smoothies, muffins, parfaits, or yogurt. Freezing fruits will also ensure you have access to your favourite varieties throughout the year at a reasonable price.

 Just like vegetables, avoid fruits with added sugar or added sodium unless you don’t plan to store them for long. 

• Whole grains and beans

Frozen bags of brown rice, quinoa, black beans, and even chickpeas make it easier to consume healthy foods throughout the year. Since most of the foods in this category take a long time to cook, going for the frozen option can save you a lot of time. 

You can also choose to freeze blends of grains and vegetables or grains and grains, depending on your preferences. However, keep in mind that freezing blends of grains and vegetables may come with added seasoning and sodium, which isn’t good for long-term preservation. 

Plain frozen beans don’t have sodium and can last for as long as you need them compared to canned options.

• Fish

If you are looking for the best source of protein to freeze, then go for fish. If you can get fresh fish, that will be great. If not, feel free to go for already frozen options that can be a great midweek saviour. 

But make sure you are going for fish that is unfried, unflavored and not breaded. To maintain the freshness, quality and safety of your supply, be sure to defrost it properly. 

• Edamame 

Most of us love French fries. Unfortunately,  there is no space in your freezer for this delicacy. So, instead of grabbing a bag of them, take ten minutes to boil Edamame in its shell and freeze it. 

To boost your protein intake midweek, simply toss shelled Edamame into a rice dish or salad, and you are good to go!