What happens to enzymes and nutrients when I freeze raw foods?

[trugoddess]

I've found a couple of recipes for leafy green salads (kale etc...) that I really enjoy. Recently I've made them in bulk and frozen smaller bags of the salad for later use. While this is convenient and certainly helps me to take the high road with respect to eating, I'm not sure about how the nutritional value of the food is impacted. Do I need to sprinkle some enzyme powder on the salad when I thaw it out to boost the nutrient value? Please share whatever insights/info you have. Thanks.

[DavidZaneMason]

The food/nutritive value of the food is not improved by freezing. Freezing is just a smaller step in processing. When water freezes....water will crystallize and expand.....and many cell walls will burst...and the overall enzymatic activity is definitely reduced. My opinion is that frozen food is not as vital as fresh....but if it helps you....you have my 100% support.

-David Z. Mason

[veganman]

I agree with David about the water crystallization. That being said, I believe that, although not ideal, the impact of freezing on nuts, seeds, and dried fruit is smaller due to the lesser water content.

[Smileen]

Just food for thought...in a lecture I heard over the summer, Victoria Boutenko said that it is not entirely unnatural to eat foods that have been frozen since mother nature at times freezes food that is out in the wild and animals can survive on it.

[Nurse in the Raw]

I agree.....when you freeze food, the enzymes go to sleep and reawaken when thawed.

[shakti17]

I ve heard that frozen food has 70% enzymes (some lost in freezing).

I think frozen is OK for me though as it does not kick up that cooked addiction for me, as even a steamed veggie will.

[trugoddess]

I have some great enzyme capsules and a powder. I think I'll try adding or taking a supplement when I'm eating the thawed greens, just to boost my enzymes back up to near optimal levels.

It's so great to have something I really love ready to eat without any prep. I just take out a bag in the AM and by the time I return in the evening, my meal has thawed and is ready to go. The point about nature freezing food was a great reminder.