The 7 Best Things to Stock Your Freezer With for Longevity

Introduction

Stocking your freezer with healthy foods can help support longevity. Having frozen fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins on hand makes it convenient to eat well. Let’s explore 7 of the best things to keep frozen for nutrition, variety, and ease.

1. Berries

Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients that support health. Since berries can be expensive when purchased fresh, keeping a stash in the freezer helps you enjoy their benefits year-round within your budget.

2. Leafy greens

Leafy greens like spinach and kale are incredibly healthy but spoil quickly when fresh. Freezing chopped greens locks in nutrients and prevents waste, so you can conveniently add them to smoothies, soups, casseroles, etc.

3. Veggie mixes

Purchase or make your own mixes with vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, and peppers. Frozen veggie mixes make healthy sides and additions to meals easy.

4. Whole grains

Grains like brown rice, farro, quinoa, and barley are nutritious complex carbs. Cook then freeze grains in meal-sized portions to incorporate into lunches and dinners quickly.

5. Beans and legumes

Beans and lentils are an affordable source of protein and fiber. Cook then freeze them for effortless plant-based nutrition in soups, stews, burritos, etc.

6. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds make handy additions to many dishes and snacks. Freeze pre-portioned servings to keep them fresh for longer.

7. 100% juices

While eating whole fruits is ideal, 100% fruit and vegetable juices retain nutrition as well. Freezing juice in ice cube trays lets you add antioxidant-rich accents to water and smoothies.

FAQ

What are some other handy items to stock in the freezer?

In addition to fruits, veggies, grains and more, keeping items like frozen herbs, bread, meat alternatives, and heat-and-eat meals makes home cooking easier.

How long do frozen foods stay fresh in the freezer?

Most frozen foods store well for 8-12 months. Berries are a bit more delicate so eat those within 6 months. Label items with dates so you know what to use first.

Is freezing produce just as healthy as eating it fresh?

Freezing locks in most nutrients, nearly comparable to fresh! The key exceptions are vitamin C and some B vitamins, which break down over long frozen storage.

What’s the best way to freeze produce to prevent freezer burn?

Blanch vegetables before freezing, then pack chopped produce in airtight containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. This protects against oxidation and freezer burn.

Can you recommend good recipes using frozen ingredients?

Sure! Some tasty options are smoothies with frozen fruit, stir fries with frozen veggies, chili or soup with frozen beans, overnight oats with frozen berries, and more. Get creative with combinations!