Unscientific Study ( at 2:29am, Couldn't sleep)
So, here ya go.
Cant sleep, looking over DC forum, got a little hungry but didn't want anything heavy, so off to the fridge / freezer i went.
Dug up a bag of store brand frozen veggies " California Blend" ( whatever that means, guess we dont have carrots, broccoli and cauliflower in NY).
I heated it up via microwave as directed on package instructions ( didnt stir fry, nor is it the stir fry mix).
My findings:
The picture on the bag shows an equivalent (fancy scientific word) amount of all 3 veggies ( broccoli, carrots and cauliflower).
The list of ingredients lists it in the order of Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots. ( I always thought that the ingredient list was in the order of amount from most to least).
Actual proportions are roughly 50% Carrots, 40 % Broccoli , 10% Cauliflower
Of the broccoli, it was about a 2:1 ratio of stem to floret
The stem actually had the best consistency. Wouldn't say it was crunchy at all, but firmer than the rest.
Florets and cauliflower had the consistency of overcooked steamed veggies. Not unpleasant, just not fresh.
Carrots were almost spongy in consistency, but sweet .
Not sure if the consistencies would have been different had i stir fried them,
I know this is a load of crap, but I cant sleep and had nothing better to do with my time, so bare with me.
As mentioned earlier, a lot of liquid is released ( due to the freezing/ defrosting process). If I were to cook these veggies in something , whether it be stir fry, pot pie or even side dish, I'd probably microwave as I did, drained the excess liquid, then add whatever sauce/butter to them ( as a last minute thing to coat rather than to cook in, to limit them from getting even mushier).
Not sure if not having a name brand, or it sitting at the bottom of my freezer for a year + had any affect on the outcome. Surprisingly, didnt taste freezer burnt at all.
So there you have it, my unofficial evaluation of frozen veggies.
Goodnight