The Only Frozen Veg I Buy Is Petit Pois....

[Jeza]

But I was wondering, if you don't overcook it, is frozen veg as good for you as fresh? In the past at other peoples houses I might add, I have found it water logged. Probably due to over cooking. Unless you clever people know different.

[granny grump]

I always thought that good quality frozen veg was virtually as good as fresh - it is more convenient and economical if you only want a little veg for one or two people - we use petit pois again

[EcclesCake]

I don't use frozen veg and have found the same as you from past experience. With the exception of peas, sweetcorn and to some extent spinach (depending on how you plan to cook with it) frozen veg is waterlogged and vile.

[daffy654]

I only ever buy the frozen veg that is for steaming in the microwave. It comes out lovely and crispy and full of flavour. It is nigh on impossible to overcook it unless you set the microwave wrong or are a moron :)

[granny grump]

I wouldn't use frozen spinach as it would be too difficult for it not to be waterlogged but if cooked properly a lot of the other veg is fine - cook quickly and drain well Granddad G was a chef and he has no qualms using frozen veg

[EcclesCake]

I personally wouldn't serve frozen spinach as a side dish with a meal, but it is handy for throwing into a curry or a quick pasta supper.

The thought of frozen stir fry gives me goosebumps!

[Jeza]

Thanks all for your input.

[ummmm]

Peas and sweetcorn is all I buy. Any other frozen veg is naff.

[themorrigan]

In the winter I buy a lot of frozen veg and find its how you cook it that counts. Green beans, sprouts and broad beans benefit from a quick steam around 3 mins then finish in a little butter in a hot pan to get rid of excess water. Spinach I only ever use frozen -put in pan with tiny amount of water, once defrosted put in sieve and squeeze out as much water as possible, then finish with a little cream or butter. I use frozen casserole mix and frozen mediterranean veg for lasagnes and other dishes. Frozen chopped peppers and onions are ideal for quickness. Veg I've tried and doesn't seem to work: Cauliflower,broccoli,carrots (other than in a casserole) and that vile mixed veg that reminds me of School dinners.

[Barmaid]

I keep a bag of frozen veg for emergency purposes (ie when I can't be bothered). I only ever steam it and its fine.

[friedgreentomato]

I keep frozen mixed veg for soup making in emergencies, other than that it is sweetcorn, peas and spinach only.

[EcclesCake]

I've just thought back and realised that I buy peas and sweetcorn to use as icepacks for injuries....turns out sweetcorn is much cheaper than peas.

Nutritionally frozen peas tend to be better than fresh as they are preserved so quickly and not transported from farm to processing plane to DTC to supermarket whilst claiming the peas are fresh..

So on the face of it the only frozen veg I eat is spinach, and not all that often at that.

[Barmaid]

I also freeze stuff when I've got a glut in the garden. Just blanche it, cool it and open freeze it.

At least I KNOW it has been frozen freshly then.

[Old_Geezer]

I believe so.

There again veg is difficult to overcook, one has to do it deliberately. It is very easy to undercook and end up with warm salad though.

If food is waterlogged, frozen or otherwise, one should consider changing the cook.

[Old_Geezer]

Spinach. Defrost, then squeeze by hand. Simples.

[vodkancoke]

I only use frozen peas and sweetcorn too. I'm not a fan of other frozen veg.

[EcclesCake]

Good point re blanching and freezing your own stuff. My home grown french beans from the freezer are lovely and tender. The bruisers I've encountered from bags of frozen veg are bleurghh!

[sunny-dave]

Co-op frozen mixed veg makes the cheapest ice-pack - with the added bonus that absolutely no-one is ever going to steal it for culinary use :)

[Barmaid]

I can't believe how clumsy you lot are!!!!

[EcclesCake]

Fair point Barmaid, perhaps we should be adding more water or a frozen sprout to our cocktails!

[sunny-dave]

Frozen Sprouts are the work of the devil.

They manage to be overcooked and slimy on the outside, whilst always retaining a hard core of inedible green vileness.

I cannot think of a single culinary purpose for the abomination - I suppose they might be just useful (whilst frozen) as an ad hoc speed bump for slowing down mad old gits on mobility scooters .... [ see other threads passim ]