Fresh ingredients are more nutritious than processed foods because they don’t have as many preservatives and additives. They also tend to be healthier for those with food allergies or sensitivities.
Additionally, using fresher ingredients can enhance the taste of dishes. Unlike processed foods, which add salt and chemicals to mask flavor, fresh ingredients are true to their original taste.
Flavor
Fresh ingredients offer a fuller, more authentic flavor. They also tend to be healthier than the processed ingredients used in many foods. These processed foods often contain excess salt, sugar and fat which can lead to obesity and health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease.
In addition, the longer food is stored, the more it will spoil and become contaminated with bacteria that could make you sick. Food that is frozen or canned often contains preservatives and other chemicals to extend their shelf life, which masks the natural flavor of the food.
While the FDA requires food manufacturers to list natural flavors, they are not required to disclose what chemical mixtures comprise these ingredients. According to the Environmental Working Group, these mixtures often include a variety of solvents and other chemicals that may be harmful to your health. For example, some of these chemicals may be the following:
Health
Whether you are on a diet or just want to improve your overall health, fresh ingredients are the way to go. They are full of healthy nutrients and don’t contain any artificial preservatives or additives that can harm your body.
The journey of fresh ingredients starts on the farms, where farmers cultivate and grow their produce until they reach maturity. They use various techniques, such as hand-picking delicate fruits and using machinery for larger vegetables or grains, to ensure the crops are harvested at their peak ripeness. This is important to avoid spoilage and ensure that the food is safe for consumption.
Once harvested, the fresh ingredients are then transported to retail outlets, such as grocery stores or restaurants. This can be done by trucks for short distances within a country or region, or by air freight for long journeys abroad. In either case, the transportation process is designed to preserve the quality of the foods during transit.
Sustainability
Using fresh ingredients supports the environment by reducing the need for preservatives and excessive transportation. It also contributes to a reduced carbon footprint. Moreover, using local and seasonal ingredients helps support the community. In addition, local farmers often use sustainable farming practices and pay their workers a fair wage.
According to a recent study, foods made with fresh or whole ingredients have lower environmental impacts than their processed counterparts. The study analyzed more than 57,000 products sold in the UK, scoring each one for its greenhouse gas emissions, land stress, and eutrophication potential. Foods with the lowest impact were those made with vegetables, fruits, grains, and bread products.
Gilroy warns that despite the promise of new innovations in sustainable food production, there are still barriers to implementing them. For example, greenwashing, in which companies promote sustainability claims without actually addressing them, is a major concern. She says it is important to approach sustainable innovation in three dimensions: societal, economic, and ecological.
Cost
Fresh ingredients provide a more authentic taste and support healthy nutritional health. Foods made with fresh ingredients tend to contain less sodium and less fat, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure among other health issues.
Another benefit of using fresh ingredients is that they generally cost less than processed foods. The more steps that are involved in preparing a food item, the higher the cost will be. For instance, a boxed rice mix with dehydrated vegetables, white rice and sodium-rich seasoning will cost more than raw brown rice.
Additionally, when it comes to buying fresh foods, it is important to look for local vendors. Not only does this help to support the community, but it also allows for food safety traceability, which can be a huge benefit when running a restaurant. Local vendors are able to provide a higher level of customer service and can assist with any questions or concerns that may arise.