For out-of-season items shipped across vast distances, which alternative might retain better levels of delicate nutrients like Vitamin C?

The flash-frozen alternative captured at its absolute peak ripeness.

There is a common misunderstanding regarding the nutritional superiority of 'fresh' versus frozen produce, especially concerning items transported over long distances. Fresh produce intended for long transit times is often picked before it reaches peak ripeness so it can survive the journey and ripen later on the store shelf. In contrast, produce destined for the freezer section is typically harvested precisely at its absolute peak ripeness, processed (often including blanching), and flash-frozen within hours. Because this flash-frozen product was captured at its nutritional maximum and protected quickly, it can often retain better levels of delicate, heat-sensitive nutrients, such as Vitamin C, compared to its 'fresh' counterpart that may have spent a significant amount of time in transit or on display.