When it comes to concerns over frozen food – it’s time to chill

According to Jennifer Johnson, Chez Panisse alum and current executive chef for San Francisco’s Getty family, “most moms know the dangers of added fillers, GMO’s, antibiotics, and other chemicals in foods – and that natural, home-made options are always a better bet for kids.”

Johnson says that “frozen foods can be healthy and natural, and less expensive than fresh,” particularly in some regions and neighborhoods.

Johnson, who cooked for President Obama at the Getty home, says that parents are “skipping frozen foods for all the wrong reasons, because improvement in food technologies have changed the game.”

Here are Johnson’s five “misconceptions about frozen foods.”

Frozen meals taste bad

“New technology that freezes food quickly allows it to retain its taste, texture and quality, and to compete against any fresh plate of food, while lasting longer.” (If left in the freezer too long, some frozen foods can lose water content and taste funny. – KTH)

Frozen foods are created in industrial labs

“Some frozen food companies are actual mom-and-pop operations, and the food actually gets its start in a home kitchen.” (On the other hand, many frozen foods and food formulas are created in industrial labs and plants. – KTH)

Frozen foods are never local

“Frozen food doesn’t have to come from halfway across the world. Freezing foods actually helps you to eat locally year round, so that your local farmer’s organic peaches or grapes can now be enjoyed year round – and not just in special seasons.”

Frozen meat has antibiotics

“There’s a whole new crop of frozen poultry and other meat options in your frozen food aisle that are antibiotic-free and untouched by many scary chemicals.” Read the labels carefully.

Frozen food is like cheating my kids

“Frozen, natural and organic meals give working parents an easy lunch or dinner solution that simply gives them back more time with their kids.”

Not coincidentally, Chef Johnson’s HipChick Farms makes gourmet, artisan frozen poultry products such as a “homemade frozen meal that tastes delicious, has no chemicals, and is locally sourced.”

Jennifer and her wife Serafina and daughter Rubyrose live on their family farm, the Ramblin’ Rose, in Sebastopol.

I suggest you read labels for country-of-origin, ingredients, sugar and sodium content, and “best by” or expiration dates. – KTH