Is there a difference in nutritional values among fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables and fruits?
Yes, but they can all be good choices. Fresh foods are usually considered to have the most nutritional value. But frozen foods can often be more nutritious than fresh foods because they are often picked ripe and quickly frozen (whereas fresh foods may lose some of their nutrients in the time between harvesting and consumption). Canning is more likely to reduce the heat-sensitive and water-soluble nutrients because of the high heat used when processing. Be aware that some fruits are packed in heavy syrup, and some canned vegetables are high in sodium (salt). Choose vegetables and fruits in a variety of forms. Does cooking affect the nutritional value of vegetables? Boiling vegetables, especially for long periods, can leach out their content of water-soluble (B and C) vitamins. Microwaving and steaming are the best ways to preserve the nutritional content of vegetables. Should I be juicing my vegetables and fruits? Juicing can add variety to the diet and can be a good way to consume vege