Is it more environmentally friendly to buy fresh, frozen, or canned produce that is out of season?

Question

I like to buy veggies seasonally and locally, but the farmer's market closes in November. (I live in an apt. so no garden). I want to pick the most environmentally conscious choice of veggies--"fresh", frozen, or canned when December rolls around.

Answer 1

Fresh from the garden would be the best.  Frozen is good, until your lights go out.  I like keeping a well stocked supply of canned produce and vegetables because some of them stay good for many many months.  Jennifer

Answer 2

The biggest argument I hear is the transportation involved in moving out of season products  thousands of miles to market.

I can see significant cost in all that you mention. Canned might be best because it dosnt require refrigeration enroute but then you have proccessing involved in canning. Surely the most assured method would be to "can" or freeze yourself when it is available locally.

Answer 3

Fresh is unlikely unless it is imported via a non-environmentally friendly vehicle of some sort. Canned is not environmentally friendly because of the can. Frozen seems the best answer as long as it is in an environmentally friendly package such as cardboard. Dehydration is a very good way.

Answer 4

fresh is always the best option

Answer 5

The most environmentally friendly would be to preserve your own food.  It will last you to the next growing season ... it is a lost art that is important for the future.

If you can't do that, then I have to go with frozen for one reason:  I'm not sure if it takes more energy to can or keep frozen, but I do know that most canned food is heat pasteurized and heat destroys the nutrients in food.  From an energy consumption perspective canning is probably better than freezing.  I think there are other methods of preserving food that are better.