Prepared veg VS do it yourself

Alikay

They're very useful for elderly people who aren't able to or inclined to do much food prep themselves, and people who live alone. I used to buy them for MIL towards the end of her life as it mean she would actually eat fresh food. She couldn't be bothered to prepare much for herself, and when she was doing her own shopping would tend to live on cup a soup or crackers and cheese for ease. When I started doing her shopping and popped nicer quality (chilled rather than the cheap frozen) ready meals and packs of pre prepared veg or salad in, she'd eat heartily as it was so easy for her.

Also there are times when I'll pick up a bag of mixed salad leaves as it's just enough for DH and I for a couple of meals whereas whole lettuce will sit in the fridge until I chuck half of it away when it's gone slimy!

Nargleblast

I would not waste my money on preprepared veggies, but I can understand why some people buy them. As previously mentioned, some elderly people living alone may not have the motivation to peel and portion up vegetables from scratch. A small pack of ready prepared carrots or broccoli is a simple, hassle-free way of getting fresh veg into them. Also, there are those elderly or disabled people who may have the motivation to cook, but not the ability or manual dexterity to prepare vegetables - e.g. severe arthritis in the hands, or limited vision. So, it is not always laziness.

I certainly think preprepared veg is way overpriced for what it is.

pakokelso93

Someone who lives alone and eats fruit/veg etc but because of this - I've no use for some fresh veg to use over lots of days on end. For things like cooking a bag of frozen onions chopped or carrots last month or two just bung a handful out of the freezer and chuck in the pan. I always go for the 69p 1kg bags. However fruit etc i'll buy fresh.

System

One thing I would like to see is frozen diced butternut squash. A pain to cut up and getting rid of the sticky membrane that has the seeds.

I only buy prepared veg when it's in the reduced and cheaper to buy this than the full veg

PLRFD

I have never had prepared veg but am a big fan of frozen petit pois and whole green beans the only other frozen veg I get is sprouts really.

PLRFD

Just thought I do like the Lockwoods frozen mushy peas too.

stephen77

Not everyone likes cooking and prepping. People are in a rush. It's better than them buying a pizza to save time.
Some veggies have quite high yield loss when prepped.

MysteryMe

I will often buy a pack of 4 frozen veg portions for £1 in the Co op. You can get different varieties, carrot, peas and cauliflower being one. In the microwave for 4 minutes and it's done. Tastes good and with a good texture. I think 25p is well worth paying to save my time and convenience.

meer53

freyasmum wrote: »

Prepared swede looks like a winner though, only 3p/kg more expensive and a LOT less annoying.

I never peel or chop swede. Put a the whole thing on a plate in the microwave. No need to do anything to it. Cook on full for 10 mins. Turn it over and cook for another 10 mins. Take out, cut in half (be careful it will be hotter than the sun !) and scoop out perfectly cooked mashed swede. Ta dah

CAZBEAR

ScarletMarble wrote: »

One thing I would like to see is frozen diced butternut squash. A pain to cut up and getting rid of the sticky membrane that has the seeds.

I only buy prepared veg when it's in the reduced and cheaper to buy this than the full veg

ooh yes i agree with you there!! The prepped fresh stuff is really expensive in little bags:(.
I tend to roast a whole one(cut in half and deseeded) then scoop out the flesh to use ins soups/casseroles.
It saves the peeling and chopping but you still have to deal with the seeds.