Are fresh blueberries really the healthiest? Do most of the vitamins get lost during freezing? And are the "fresh" blueberries we buy in the store still fresh?
A treasure trove of antioxidants – and in what form?
Blueberries have long been known as an incredibly nutritious berry, packed with antioxidants, vitamins and phytochemicals. They are most often associated with by protecting the heart, blood vessels and cognitive functions.
But when we get to the grocery store shelf and choose between fresh and frozen, we often find ourselves in a dilemma. What to chooseif we want to give our body the best?
Freezing – a surprising ally of nutrients
Most people intuitively believe that fresh blueberries are more nutritious. But the reality is somewhat different. Blueberries intended for freezing are usually picked at their peak ripeness, when they contain the most vitamins and anthocyanins – blue-black pigments that have exceptional antioxidant power.
Immediately after harvesting, they are usually quickly blanched and deep-frozen, which preserves most of these nutrients.
Ice crystals that unlock the power of blueberries
During freezing, tiny ice crystals form inside the blueberry, breaking down its cell walls. The result? When they're thawed, the nutrients, especially anthocyanins, are released even more easily.
This means that it has the body has a better chance of absorbing them and take advantage of their benefits. However, thawed blueberries can be softer, which some people find the texture off-putting – but they are perfect for smoothies, porridges, toppings and desserts.
“Fresh” which are often not fresh anymore
Fresh blueberries from the store often they travel long distances and are exposed to light, moisture and air for several days. During this time, they slowly lose the most sensitive vitamins, especially vitamin C.
If they sit on the shelf for a week or more, their nutritional value is significantly reduced – even if they still look good on the outside. fresh.
So what to choose?
If you have access to fresh, local blueberries, which have not been stored or transported for a long time, are of course an excellent choice. But if you are deciding between imported “fresh” and well-frozen blueberries, the latter are often a better solution.
