Tips & Tricks on how to use Frozen Vegetables

Frozen vegetables are the most economical, time-saving and practical option for operators. With good preparation and storage practices, the results are similar to cooking with fresh vegetables. These vegetables are ready to be cooked on the spot! They are pre-cut, pre-washed and can help you and your team save tons of time in the kitchen. They can be pre-portioned and stored helping minimize waste. However, they sometimes have bad press! People think their texture is blah or their colour is washed out. Today, we’ll discuss the best way to prepare and cook frozen vegetables to enhance their quality and get the best taste, as well as other things to consider when preparing them.

Preparation:

Frozen vegetables should NEVER be thawed before preparing them. To maximize their flavour and performance, they should be frozen when cooking.

Ideal cooking methods:

• COMBINATION OVEN: cooking vegetables at 240 °F (116 °C) for 3 to 4 minutes is excellent. They can be maintained at a temperature of 140 °F (60 °C) for more than an hour.
• STIR FRY: vegetables should be steamed or boiled for no more than one minute, just enough to thaw before sauté on high heat in a skillet, wok or on a grilling plate with a small amount of oil.
• BOILING: to preserve the colour and flavor of vegetables, cook them quickly in a chicken broth or other meat broth that will be kept for the preparation of soups or sauces (maximum 4 minutes depending on the cut and texture) so they will keep their appearance and firmness. It is not recommended to boil too many vegetables at a time, and is recommended to start over 2 or 3 times so the liquid does not cool or stop boiling. 
• Frozen vegetables can also be cooked using steam or baked in an oven to get a more crunchy texture. To do so, spread the frozen vegetables on a baking sheet and sprinkle with olive oil and spices of your choice. Bake at 220°C for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring the vegetables halfway through.

For optimal results, minimize the thawing time of your frozen vegetables. When cooking, use only what you need and store the rest immediately in the freezer, helping prevent potential quality and performance loss. Also, don’t overcook: frozen vegetables cook quicker than fresh produce, so be careful not to overcook them. Most of them can  be ready in as little as 4 minutes at high temperature. It is strongly recommended to follow the cooking instructions on the package and check for doneness frequently.

If you plan to prepare frozen vegetables to serve immediately, fully cook them. If you need to prepare them in advance for an event, do not cook them completely so the colour and flavour are preserved.

NOTE: ALL the Arctic Gardens frozen vegetables are blanched however, they cannot be used “as is” i.e. directly from freezer to plate. They have to be cooked thoroughly before usage.

Other things to consider:

• Available year-round; frozen vegetables are available throughout the year, regardless of the season. This allows you to offer a wide variety of vegetables and to have a steady supply on hand all the time.
• They are processed or quick-frozen immediately after harvest; which locks in the goodness, freshness, flavor, colour, and nutritional value;
• Unlike fresh “out of season“ vegetables which deteriorate in nutritional value after being hastily picked, they retain their optimal, consistent nutritional value capable of being transported and stored for long periods of time;
• Extended shelf life; frozen vegetables have an extended shelf life compared to fresh vegetables, which can reduce waste costs and save money;
• No waste; two pounds of flash-frozen vegetables equals two pounds of vegetables on the plate. Compare this to fresh vegetables, which have a much lower net weight once they’ve been trimmed, cleaned, and/or peeled.

Here are some delicious and trendy recipes perfect for the summer season you can try:

Green beans, fennel and citrus salad

Japanese-style Salad with Udon Noodles, beans and Sesame dressing

Grilled Chicken Kalenbanzo Salad

We encourage you to discover (or re-discover!) Arctic Gardens product portfolio which offers a wide variety of options; from the reliable, foundational products to a fine selection of on-trend and specialty ingredients, you can find what you are looking for.

Why Frozen Produce Should Be In Your Next Recipe

By Alasko Foods

When it comes to nutrition, fruits and vegetables have always been the go-to in terms of healthy eating. Tried and true, their combination of practicality, taste, and nutritional benefit are second to none. However, frozen rather than fresh produce has several unique benefits which make them a clear choice for the resourceful restaurant operator.

Here are five reasons why:

1) Always in season

Frozen fruit is actually richer in nutrients on average than their fresh counterparts, according to a study by the University of California-Davis.¹ This is because of its enhanced preservation through a unique freezing method. Companies like Alasko, which utilize IQF (individual quick freezing) technology, do so because it locks in freshness, flavour, colour, and taste.

Individual quick freezing takes single pieces of food and, as the name suggests, freezes them individually at extremely low temperatures. This prevents the formation of large ice crystals that conventional freezing would cause, and preserves the high-quality state that the food is currently in.

IQF fruits and vegetables are always in season, simply because that’s the state at which they are frozen in.

2) Always available

Thanks to worldwide sourcing—which market leaders such as Alasko benefit from due to their extensive global supply network—it is feasible to obtain the best possible product from whichever region it happens to be currently in-season. Using IQF technology, the produce that ends up in your recipe and menu items is as fresh as it was when picked.

3) Convenience

Frozen produce has a lot more potential to it than meets the eye.

Rather than having to peel, chop, and prepare a fresh fruit or vegetable, IQF produce is frozen in a state that is ready to use. Simply toss fruits in a blender to make a smoothie, chop them up and make a salsa, or incorporate them into a smoothie bowl. Easily mix vegetables into a stir fry or casserole, or into a dip.

The possibilities are extensive!

4) Extended life

The disadvantage of fresh produce is that it needs to be consumed in a certain window of time before it starts to become overripe. This can put a lot of pressure for you to make use of it as quickly as possible. (Granted, frozen produce still has this window as well, but it is far lengthier—typically 24 months, as opposed to a week or so.²)

Simply take out the portion you need, and put the rest away where it will remain frozen and unspoiled.

5) Cost efficient

Using frozen fruits and vegetables minimizes your expenses in the areas of labour and food waste. Frozen produce is already cut, washed, and ready to toss in a recipe, and unused quantities can be put right back into the freezer. Even better, frozen produce can be less costly than their fresh counterparts.³

When it comes to the ingredients to put in your recipes, you are constantly faced with choice. Frozen fruits and vegetables have several benefits that are often overlooked in comparison to the alternatives. Whether it’s the heightened nutrition, convenience, or cheaper cost: frozen fruits and vegetables are definitely worth it.

For delicious IQF products to use in your next recipe, contact your Flanagan Foodservice sales representative or call our Customer Relations team at 1-855-FLANAGAN.

About Alasko

Alasko Foods is a leader in global sourcing of conventional and organic frozen fruits and vegetables, with a reputation for providing superior, world class service to customers across Canada, the US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Committed to delivering the safest and highest quality products, without compromise, Alasko Foods will source, process, pack, label, brand and distribute the best fresh-frozen fruits and vegetables the world has to offer. Learn more at alasko.com.

References:

[1] Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture c 87:930–944

[2] U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 2015; Foodsafety.gov

[3] United Stated Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, 2016

Chill Out with Frozen Drinks

How your business can benefit from a cool offer

In the competitive world of restaurants, bars, and family entertainment centers, operators are constantly seeking innovative ways to attract customers and enhance their overall experience. One such strategy gaining popularity is the inclusion of a high-quality frozen beverage offer.

People of all ages are drawn to refreshing and indulgent frozen treats, making them an attractive option for customers seeking a cool, thirst-quenching experience. By providing an enticing range of flavours and toppings, establishments can cater to a broad audience, including children (kid-friendly flavours and imaginative presentations) and adults (alcoholic frozen cocktails or boozy milkshakes). Satisfied customers are more likely to return and recommend the venue to others, resulting in enhanced loyalty and positive word-of-mouth marketing.

A good frozen beverage program can set an establishment apart from its competitors. By offering unique flavours, customizable options, and eye-catching presentations, operators can create a distinctive experience that stands out in customers' minds. .

Frozen beverages often have higher profit margins compared to other menu items, as they require relatively inexpensive ingredients and simple preparation methods. Additionally, upselling opportunities arise when customers opt for add-ons such as whipped cream, syrups, or fruit garnishes. 

Don’t forget to promote, promote and promote! Strategically placing attractive signage or display boards showcasing frozen beverage options, piquing customer interest and encourage them to explore additional menu items. Consider creating a combo that pair frozen beverages with popular food items, enticing customers to increase their overall spend.

From attracting new customers and enhancing the overall dining experience to generating additional revenue and staying competitive, frozen beverages have become a valuable asset for businesses seeking to differentiate themselves in the market.

For your menu:

Blender Boyz line of slush and cappuccino mixes. A delicious blends of flavours and real ingredients:

409044  SLUSH  CAPPUCCINO ICE FR VANILLA 3+1

409048  SLUSH  CAPPUCINO ICE MOCHA 3+1

409797  SLUSH  SLUSH BLUE RASPBERRY 5+1

409658  SLUSH  SLUSH CHERRY 5+1

2023 Food Show Product Review

At this year's food show, we were proud to showcase hundreds of incredible products. With so many amazing options, it was difficult for us to pick only a few favourites - but here are some highlights from the event!

The Flanagan Food Show is where the foodservice industry gathers to look ahead into what’s new, exciting and trending in Canadian cuisine. This year was particularly special with over one thousand of people in attendance - all buzzing with anticipation! Even Elvis popped by to entertain our guests. There were exclusive deals, delicious samples and learning opportunities for attendees.

That’s a wrap for this year. We share our heartfelt thanks with everyone who came to celebrate with us. We were thrilled to have you join us!  As Elvis would say, “thank you, thank you very much.”

Explore Our Food Show through Photos: 

Spotlight on Sous Vide

If you’re a chef or restaurant owner, chances are you’ve probably heard of sous vide cooking. But what exactly is it? This method isn’t new - in fact, chefs around the world have been using sous vide to create delicious and complex dishes for decades. Sous vide is a modern and sophisticated way of cooking that involves vacuum-sealing ingredients in bags before placing them in either warm or cold water baths at precise temperatures for long periods of time to perfectly cook food from edge to center.

Cardinal’s Safe Sous Vide™ proteins are a breakthrough innovation in food safe sealed environment cooked proteins for restaurants, consumers, and commercial kitchens alike.

Top reasons to use Cardinal Meats Safe Sous Vide products:

1.  Food Safety - Each of the proteins are cooked in a sealed environment, ensuring no possible exposure to air or any other element until you open it within your kitchen.

2.  Versatility - With chicken, pork and beef available in a variety of formats including whole muscle, diced, pulled, ground and bone in, Cardinal Safe Sous Vide™ products can be used in just about any menu creation you can imagine.

3.  Cost Savings - Not only are they delicious alternatives to the proteins you serve today, but they’re fully cooked, can be sauced or spiced, and are versatile in a variety of recipes - saving you on prep time, ingredients and labour costs.

4.  Labour Savings - Labour cost savings by way of faster, simplified preparation and clean-up.

5.  Clean Ingredients - The cooking process allows proteins to cook in their natural fats, which creates amazing quality and allows Cardinal to only include minimal ingredients within its products.

6.  Convenience - The products are fully cooked, so they don’t have to be frozen. With over a 30-day shelf life in every product, it’s easy to use what you need, when you need it and save the rest.

7.  Consistency - Whether you’re a restaurant, healthcare or industrial kitchen, you want to know that the proteins you’re using, and ultimately serving to you are customers, offer the same great tasting and eating experience — every time.

Product Codes

Beef

• 158547 Cardinal Meats Diced Braised Beef
• 158112 Cardinal Meats Beef Pulled with au jus
• 158086 Cardinal Meats Meatloaf with Mushroom
• 155441 Cardinal Meats Fully Cooked Burger Beef 4oz
• 158072 Cardinal Meats Beef Pot Roast with au jus - Large

Chicken

• 104841 Cardinal Meats Pulled Chicken
• 164784 Cardinal Meats Pulled Jerk Chicken
• 164649 Cardinal Meats Chicken Breast 3.5oz
• 164270 Cardinal Meats BBQ Rotisserie 1/2 Chicken

Pork

• 164784 Cardinal Meats Pork Back Ribs - 9 pc
• 167546 Cardinal Meats Pulled Pork w/ Chipotle Sauce

• 167554 Cardinal Meats Pulled Pork - No Sauce

Talk to your sales represenative today about Cardinal’s Safe Sous Vide™!

Learn more about Safe Sous Vide