Did you know that March is National Frozen Food Month? That means it's time to celebrate all of our favorite frozen foods! From ice cream and popsicles to frozen pizza and chicken nuggets, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Frozen food has a long history, dating all the way back to 3000 BC. In those days, people would freeze food in large blocks of ice, which they would then use to keep food cold during long trips or while out on the open sea.
It wasn't until the 1930s that frozen food started becoming more popular in the United States. That's when Clarence Birdseye came up with the idea of flash freezing food, which helped to preserve its flavor and texture.
Since then, frozen food has become a staple in many American households. In fact, seven out of 10 frozen food shoppers increased the frozen food they buy. And there's a good reason for that! Frozen food is convenient, affordable, and delicious.
Plus, frozen food is perfect for busy families. You can pop a frozen pizza in the oven, or make a quick and easy dinner with some frozen chicken nuggets. And if you're looking for something sweet and delicious, you can always reach for a pint of ice cream or a popsicle.
So this National Frozen Food Month, why not give frozen food a try? You might be surprised at how much you love it!
Benefits of Frozen Food
Convenient
Frozen food is convenient; it can be stored in the freezer and cooked quickly whenever you need it.
Affordable
Frozen food is affordable. It's often cheaper than fresh food.
Healthy
Frozen food is healthy; many frozen foods are low in calories and unhealthy fats.
Frozen Meal Prepping
Frozen meal prep is a great way to save time and eat healthily. Here are some tips on how to do it:
- Choose healthy frozen meals. There are plenty of healthy frozen meals out there, but it’s important to read the labels carefully. Look for meals that are low in sodium and sugar, and high in protein and fiber.
- Plan ahead. It’s important to plan ahead so you know what meals you’re going to prepare. This will help you avoid buying unhealthy frozen meals out of convenience.
- Cook your frozen meals in advance. Once you’ve chosen your meals, cook them in advance so they’re ready to eat when you need them. This will save you time and hassle during the week.
- Store your frozen meals properly. Make sure to store your frozen meals in a cool, dry place. This will help prevent them from spoiling.
Tips on Preparing Frozen Food
Frozen food is a great way to save time in the kitchen, and it can be just as healthy and delicious as fresh food. Here are some tips for preparing frozen food:
- Don’t overcook frozen food. Most frozen food should only be cooked for a few minutes, so check the package instructions carefully.
- Thaw frozen food before cooking it. This will help ensure that the food cooks evenly.
- Use a microwave or oven to cook frozen food. These are both great ways to cook frozen food without drying it out or making it soggy.
- Add frozen food to your favorite recipes. Frozen vegetables and fruits are a great way to add nutrients and flavor to your favorite dishes.
- Store frozen food in a sealed container. This will help keep the food fresh and prevent it from freezer burn.
- Label frozen food containers with the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of how long the food has been in the freezer.
Popular American Frozen Foods
It's no question that America is a big country with a lot of different tastes. So, it's no surprise that there are plenty of frozen food favorites across the nation. Here are the most popular frozen foods Americans love:
- Pizza - Pizza is the most popular frozen food in America. It’s no surprise; pizza is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed with many different toppings.
- Chicken - Fried chicken is another all-time American favorite. It’s easy to make and can be paired with any side dish.
- Vegetables - Frozen vegetables are a great way to get your daily serving of vegetables, and they’re perfect for quick and easy meals.
- Fish - Frozen fish is a healthy and convenient option that can be cooked in many different ways.
- Hash browns - Who doesn’t love a good hash brown? They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Waffles - Waffles are another classic breakfast food that can be made with many different toppings.
- Desserts - From ice cream to popsicles, Americans love their frozen desserts. In fact, the frozen food category accounts for about $5 billion of annual sales.
- Fruit salad- A classic healthy option, frozen fruit salad is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
Our Favorite Frozen Desserts
While there are endless options when it comes to frozen desserts, we have a few favorites. Here are some of the best:
- Ice cream - It's no secret that Americans love their ice cream. Whether it's a classic vanilla or something more adventurous like pistachio, there's a flavor for everyone.
- Popsicles - These childhood classics never get old. From grape to watermelon, there's a popsicle for every occasion.
- Frozen yogurt - A healthier option than ice cream, frozen yogurt is loved by all. With an endless variety of flavors and toppings, there's something for everyone.
- Sorbet - Light and refreshing, sorbet is perfect for hot summer days. Choose from delicious fruit flavors or indulge in chocolate or vanilla.
- Gelato - This Italian favorite is denser and creamier than ice cream. With a wide variety of flavors, there's something for everyone to love.
- Ice cream cake - Who doesn't love a good ice cream cake? These decadent desserts are the perfect way to celebrate any occasion.
- Popsicles - These childhood classics never get old. From grape to watermelon, there's a popsicle for every occasion.
- Frozen yogurt - A healthier option than ice cream, frozen yogurt is loved by all. With an endless variety of flavors and toppings, there's something for everyone.
Conclusion
So this National Frozen Food Month, why not celebrate by giving frozen foods a try? You never know, you might just find a new favorite. From pizza to ice cream, there’s something for everyone in the freezer aisle – and most of it is healthier than take-out.
Plus, with so many different brands and flavors to choose from, you can find exactly what you’re looking for. Ready to give it a go? Head to your nearest grocery store and get stocked up on some delicious frozen food today!