Why is the practice of flash-freezing berries recommended as a simple strategy for ensuring year-round nutritional security, as opposed to relying solely on fresh imports?

Freezing is performed at peak ripeness, locking in nutrients that might otherwise degrade over time in fresh berries sitting on a shelf or in storage.

The text addresses the fresh versus frozen debate by prioritizing nutrient retention timing. While fresh berries offer superior texture for raw snacking when they are in season, freezing is performed precisely when the berries are at their absolute peak of ripeness and nutrient content. This flash-freezing process is vital because it locks these nutrients in place, preventing the natural degradation that occurs when fresh berries are left sitting on store shelves or stored in a refrigerator for several days awaiting consumption. Although frozen berries might show minor losses in Vitamin C, they generally retain robust levels of other essential components, making freezing an effective preservation method.