Kitchen Lessons · Pantry Basics

Frozen vs. Fresh: When Frozen Is Actually Better

The short answer

Frozen is often just as nutritious as fresh — sometimes more, because it's picked and frozen at peak ripeness. Keep both. Frozen is your insurance; fresh is for right now.

Why frozen can win

Frozen produce is harvested ripe and frozen within hours, locking the nutrients in. ‘Fresh’ that traveled a long way and sat on a shelf can quietly lose some of that. So frozen isn't the lesser choice — often it's the smarter one.

Best frozen

Berries, peas, spinach, corn, edamame, shrimp — and anything out of season. They're ready when you are and never go to waste.

Best fresh

Things you'll eat soon and where texture is the point — salad greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs.

Gina's tip

A freezer with frozen vegetables, berries and shrimp in it is a healthy-meal insurance policy. On the nights you've got nothing, you've still got dinner.