Why frozen or canned fruit and vegetables?

Why not? With so many benefits to frozen or canned fruit and veges, there simply isn’t a reason not to enjoy them. Here's why you should load up your pantry and freezer with Wattie's Frozen and Canned Fruit and Vegetables:

  • Available all year round, no matter what the seasonality of the fruit or vege;
  • Good variety;
  • Good value for money;
  • Easy to store and always on hand;
  • Less wastage since what you don’t use you can keep for later;
  • Easy to prepare – no peeling or chopping needed;
  • Most are processed and packaged soon after being picked, to help retain many of the critical vitamins;
  • No preservatives needed – the canning process or freezing process preserves the food and protects food from organisms which cause spoilage.

Wattie's has always used the simplest methods possible to keep food to enjoy. For example, our frozen peas are harvested at their prime and snap-frozen within hours to capture their natural goodness.

For our canned products, the fruit and vegetables are sealed in the can and then pressure cooked to help lock in the goodness and the taste.  The heat processing also keeps the food so no artificial preservatives are needed.

Tips on Cooking Frozen Foods

  • Never thaw or rinse frozen vegetables before cooking.
  • Cook frozen vegetables with as little water as possible to stop leaching of nutrients.
  • Keep the pot covered while cooking vegetables.
  • Serve immediately – reheating vegetables lowers the nutritional value.
  • Follow the directions for preparation on the package.

Hints for Using Canned Foods

  • Use canned foods in casseroles, gravies, sauces and soups.
  • Freeze or refrigerate left over canned food – but remove it from the can and place in a non-metallic airtight container. Eat it within two days or as you would fresh food.
  • When cooking, reheat gently and do not allow to over-cook.
  • Do not buy damaged or swollen cans.
  • Store in a cool dry place.