Fresh fruit is very perishable, so it can be tough to constantly have on hand. Luckily, numerous fruits are readily available in the freezer aisle– and some might even be healthier when frozen.
Why Choose Frozen Fruits?
Contrary to popular belief, frozen fruits aren’t nutritionally inferior to their fresh counterparts. Frozen fruits are “chosen at peak ripeness, when nutrients levels are highest, then flash-frozen to lock in those nutrients,” discusses signed up dietitian Kristen Lorenz, RD.

On the other hand, “fresh fruit is chosen before it fully ripens,” shares Marissa (Meshulam) Karp, registered dietitian. This prevents overripe fruit from hitting the racks, as it allows the fruit to ripen as it’s transferred and saved. Fresh fruit loses nutrients the longer it’s saved, so it can in fact include less nutrients than the frozen kind, states Karp.

Nutritional perks aside, frozen fruit is hassle-free to utilize, as it’s currently peeled, sliced, or pitted. Additionally, “the prolonged shelf-life implies less food waste, and having frozen fruit on hand gets rid of the need for frequent grocery trips,” Lorenz notes.

6 Fruits to Buy Frozen
Although the fruits noted below are simply as delicious fresh, many of them are seasonal, pricey, fast to ripen, hard to prepare, and less healthy when purchased fresh from the supermarket. Rather, consider choosing the more convenient, healthy, and evergreen option– frozen fruits.

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Mango
” Peeling and cutting a fresh mango can be cumbersome, but with frozen mango, the hard work is done for you,” states Lorenz. It’s also “completely ripened before being frozen, ensuring you get that sweet tropical taste every time.” Plus, mango supplies a lot of necessary nutrients, including vitamin C for immune function, vitamin A for eye health, and fiber for food digestion.

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Pineapple

Pineapple is packed with vitamin C and manganese, which support immunity and bone health, respectively, according to Lorenz. “It likewise consists of bromelain, an enzyme that might assist food digestion and minimize swelling,” she adds. Thanks to frozen pineapple, you can enjoy these benefits– together with its scrumptious sweet-tart flavor– without needing to peel or core it.

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Berries
Berries are porous, so they’re likely to soak up wetness and grow mold faster than other fruits, states Karp. “For this reason, it can be difficult to constantly have fresh berries on hand, [] that’s where frozen berries been available in,” adds Karp. Frozen berries can last months, making it simple to enjoy their abundant nutritional profile of disease-fighting antioxidants, immune-boosting vitamin C, and gut-friendly fiber.

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Cherries
Cherries are abundant in anti-oxidants called polyphenols, which safeguard cells and fight inflammation in the body, according to Karp. Nevertheless, removing their pits can be an annoyance, particularly if you require to use a big quantity. “Frozen cherries are terrific because they’re currently pitted, which indicates you can throw them in a shake or on a yogurt bowl and consume as is,” states Karp.

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Acai

Acai berries are highly fragile, so they’re never ever sold fresh at the supermarket. Rather, they’re available as a powder and frozen puree, the latter of which is ideal for thickening up shakes and healthy smoothie bowls. What’s more, acai is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant anthocyanins, making the frozen puree worth keeping in your freezer.

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Dragon Fruit

Frozen dragon fruit is already peeled and cubed, making it simple to enjoy the tropical fruit. It’s likewise usually less expensive than the fresh kind, which can be challenging to find in stores. “It’s also an excellent source of anti-oxidants, such as betalains and carotenoids.”