Frozen fruits are easier to store than fresh fruits.

 

There is also the advantage of being able to enjoy both taste and health benefits by mixing it with Greek yogurt or other foods. When you wash frozen fruit, the surface slightly melts, but do you really need to wash it before eating?

 

This depends on what type of food is listed on the back of the frozen fruit packaging.

The food types of frozen fruits are mainly divided into processed fruit and vegetable products and agricultural products.

 

Processed and packaged products refer to processed foods that can be consumed immediately without undergoing washing, heating, or cooking processes. However, products classified as agricultural products may be in a state that has not been subjected to any processing other than freezing.

 

It means that the fruit may have been frozen without being washed. If you see the words "processed fruits and vegetables" on the packaging, it is safe to eat as is, but if you see the words "agricultural products," it is better to wash it under running water before eating.

Sometimes, it is difficult to determine whether packaging has been cleaned just by checking the packaging. Last year, the Korea Consumer Federation investigated 20 frozen fruit products, including frozen blueberries, mangoes, and strawberries, and found that about 25% (5 products) had cautionary labels where phrases like "Be sure to wash before eating" were difficult to verify, and 20% (4 products) did not specify whether they were agricultural products or processed fruits and vegetables. Since then

 

At the supplier meeting hosted by the Korea Consumer Federation, it was confirmed that all unmarked food products are agricultural products. If you are unsure whether a product has been washed, it is safer to wash it before eating.

 

 

There is another point to be careful about. When taking frozen fruit out of the freezer to eat, do not leave it at room temperature for a long time. This increases the risk of microbial growth. It is also not advisable to refreeze thawed frozen fruit.

 

Meanwhile, blueberries are known to be more nutritious when frozen than when eaten raw. A study by South Dakota State University in the United States found that fresh blueberries contain an average of 3.32 mg/g of anthocyanins, while frozen blueberries contain an average of 8.89 mg/g. There are also research findings indicating that frozen blueberries are richer in vitamins.

 

When left at room temperature, vitamins are easily lost due to sunlight and other factors, but freezing preserves vitamins well. According to a paper published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in the United States, consuming blueberries frozen allows for better intake of vitamins B and C compared to eating them raw.

 

 

Frozen strawberries and blueberries feel slimy... Can I eat them right away without washing? © Provided by Health Chosun