Do Cut Up Vegetables Lose Nutrients

Ideally you should eat any pre cut fruit in two to three days and pre cut vegetables within five to six days.

Do cut up vegetables lose nutrients.

This process called respiration breaks down stored organic materials such as carbohydrates proteins and fats and leads to loss of food value flavor and nutrients. Only buy pre cut vegetables from the grocery. Sure cut up vegetables are a good alternative to settling for processed or carryout food with unknown quantities of fat and salt. After picking fruits and vegetables continue to breathe.

Vegetables that are intended for freezing are harvested at their peak of ripeness which allows them to retain their nutrients during the freezing process. Produce will lose heat from this respiration as well as moisture which is one way nutrients are lost. Cut the vegetables with a sharp knife and do not finely chop your veggies lest they lose out on nutrients. Cutting vegetables may lose out on nutrients but it is good to keep a few important things in mind.

Risk of discoloration flavor loss texture loss dehydration and nutrient loss generally increases as the cut vegetable pieces get smaller and smaller. If our do wish to chop them fine then make sure you consume them as soon as possible. June 2 2006 new research shows that fresh cut fruit may not lose much of its nutrients when stored in the refrigerator for a few days. University of california studies show that vegetables can lose 15 to 55 percent of vitamin c for instance within a week.

Scientists sharpened their knives and put mangoes. In other words shredded lettuce or shredded cabbage generally carry more risk in the above areas than coarsely chopped lettuce or coarsely chopped cabbage. Vegetables lose half of their nutritional value by the time they get to the store. If the vegetable has a whitish outer layer on it it s begun to lose its moisture and some nutrients may have escaped the food.

As for the loss of nutrients certain vitamins do dissipate. After harvesting vegetables gradually lose moisture and their starches and sugars begin to degrade. They are great for grab and go for a snack or making a meal soon but not the best for long term storage.