From frozen vegetables to ready-to-eat meals: The frozen food myth India needs to rethink

Frozen food myths India needs to stop believing. (Unsplash) Frozen food doesn't automatically mean unhealthy.

Here’s what India needs to know about this common myth. Walk into any Indian kitchen and mention frozen food.

What Happened

Before the conversation has even begun, the verdict is usually out. You will be bombarded with statements like: ‘It's not fresh,’ ‘It must be full of preservatives,’ ‘Nothing frozen can match freshly made food,’ and more.

• Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

• Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice.

• In many cases, time, not freezing, is the bigger factor.

Key Details

These perceptions have existed for years, but they don't reflect how today's food systems or preservation technologies actually work. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Sanket Shrikanth, founder and CEO of Scandalous Foods, busts myths surrounding frozen food.

• By contrast, produce marketed as "fresh" may spend several days moving through the supply chain before reaching consumers, during which time nutritional value naturally begins to decline.

• According to Sanket Shrikanth, fruits and vegetables frozen immediately after harvest can retain nutrients remarkably well because they are preserved at their peak.

• Fact: Nutrition is another myth that deserves a reality check.

Why It Matters

But a product frozen within hours of harvest or preparation is often viewed with suspicion. Perhaps it's time we questioned our understanding of what fresh really means.

• Whether a product is healthy or not depends on its ingredients and how it is made, not on the fact that it is stored in a freezer.

• Freezing is simply a preservation technique.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Hindustan Times as more details emerge