Featured image for post: Why Using Fresh Ingredients Really Matters

Why Using Fresh Ingredients Really Matters

Bacon by Fischer Family Farms Pork | Coffee by True Stone Coffee Roasters

 

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often takes precedence over quality when it comes to our food choices. Pre-packaged, processed meals have become the norm, making it easy to overlook the importance of using fresh ingredients in our cooking. However, the benefits of opting for fresh ingredients go far beyond just taste.

 

At The Copperfield, we know how food freshness impacts taste and nutritional value. That’s why we source only high-quality ingredients from local purveyors in Minnesota and use them to create the tasty and healthy dishes you know and love.

 

Here are a few simple reasons why using fresh ingredients is important to us.

 

Better Flavor

 

Fresh ingredients have a more intense flavor than their processed counterparts. It happens because processing and storage rob food of its natural taste.

 

Another secret to better taste is a higher nutritional value. Minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants tend to degrade over time or disappear during processing. Dishes prepared with fresh ingredients have the maximum amount of essential nutrients that pack the original flavor.

 

With fresh food, you get an excellent taste and take advantage of healthy ingredients that contribute to your physical and mental health. As a bonus, fresh ingredients often look and smell better, tickling your olfactory senses and improving your overall dining experience.

 

One more reason for better flavor is seasonality. When ingredients are harvested at their peak ripeness, they have optimal flavor. Meanwhile, prematurely picked and preserved ingredients don’t have a chance to achieve the same level of maturity and taste.

 

More Sustainable

 

The Copperfield reduces the food industry’s significant carbon footprint by sourcing fresh ingredients from local purveyors like Fischer Family Farms Pork and True Stone Coffee Roasters.

 

Less Packaging

 

Preserved foods often require a substantial amount of packing materials. Meanwhile, fresh ingredients come directly from the farm and need less packaging. This reduces the environmental impact associated with packaging production and disposal.

Fewer Emissions

Processing and storing foods are energy-intensive methods. Fresh ingredients that don’t require as much processing and transportation don’t contribute to as many greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Biodiversity and Soil Health

Supporting fresh ingredients encourages biodiversity and promotes healthier soil. Local and organic farming practices often prioritize crop rotation, natural pest control, and soil conservation methods. This can enhance soil fertility and reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

 

Since fresh ingredients have a shorter shelf life, using them encourages mindful use. This reduces the likelihood of food waste.

 

Improve Cognitive Function

Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants that can prevent oxidative damage to the brain. At any age, a high intake of fruits and veggies can increase the antioxidant levels in the body and improve cognitive performance.

 

It means that by consuming fresh ingredients regularly, you can enjoy better memory, improved decision-making, and enhanced learning capabilities. You can also benefit from a lower risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

 

fresh and healthy salad

 

The Copperfield in Mendota Heights: Where Quality Begins with Fresh Ingredients

When it comes to the choice between fresh and preserved ingredients, the former wins every time. They don’t just taste, smell, and look better. Fresh ingredients can improve your physical and mental health.

Guided by the desire to support the community, local vendors, and the environment, our team at The Copperfield works hard to bring the freshest and tastiest ingredients to your plate. Head to our menu to see just how we put these fresh ingredients to entice your palate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.