Frequently Asked Questions

Seasoned Family Size

What does “Specially Seasoned” mean on the bag?

All Pictsweet Farms Seasoned Family Size meals have been pre-seasoned with authentic flavors & savory spices so it is not necessary to add any other seasoning.

Is there a difference between Pictsweet Farms Seasoned Family Size meals and other Pictsweet Farms items called Family Size?

All of our Seasoned Family Size meals are traditionally seasoned meals that are ready to eat in 20 minutes. Many of our unseasoned Family Size items are vegetables that take a bit longer to prepare and are frequently enjoyed as an ingredient in a traditional recipe.

Can I use Seasoned Family Size meals in my recipes?

Seasoned Family Size meals can be prepared in just 20 minutes with the addition of water (for Gumbo with Rice and Red Beans & Rice) or milk (for Potato Soup). We recommend that you continue to use Pictsweet Farms unseasoned Family Size vegetables as an ingredient to a traditional recipe.

What type of milk do I need to use with Seasoned Family Size Potato Soup?

The following types of milk are good options to use in preparing the Potato Soup—whole, 2%, 1% and skim—each adding a desirable creaminess to the soup. Lactose-free milks and almond milk also work well.

What have you done to the Seasoned Family Size meals so that they cook in only 20 minutes?

Our vegetables have been picked at the peak of freshness, blanched and then frozen under the perfect conditions to enable the short 20 minutes cook time.

How often do I need to stir Seasoned Family Size meals during the cooking process?

The packaging provides easy-to-follow, step-by-step cooking instructions, which explain that stirring frequently throughout the cooking process will deliver the best results.

Vegetables for Breakfast Scramblers

Do I need to add any oil or seasoning before cooking Breakfast Scramblers?

No, both of these items have been specially seasoned and have just a small amount of oil already added to give the perfect results.

How many eggs need to be added? Do I need to cook the entire bag?

Both of our Vegetables for Breakfast Scramblers include instructions on the back of the package explaining how many eggs we recommend adding based upon the number of servings you wish to make.

When do I add the eggs to the cooking process?

The packaging provides easy-to-follow, step-by-step cooking instructions. It explains that once the frozen vegetables are cooked, then the eggs should be added in the cooking process.

Is it OK to add cheese while cooking Breakfast Scramblers?

Yes. While these items are delicious without cheese, we know that some people may prefer to add their favorite cheese. Both items include directions on the packaging explaining when to add cheese to the cooking process (if desired).

Vegetable Fried Rice with Edamame

Do I need to add any oil or seasoning before cooking Vegetable Fried Rice with Edamame?

No, this item has been specially seasoned and has just a small amount of oil already added to give the perfect results.

Do I need any special pan to cook Vegetable Fried Rice with Edamame?

No, this item can be prepared in any large skillet.

What is Edamame?

Edamame are early-harvested soybeans, and they are rich in protein and a good source of fiber.

Can I add meat or shrimp to this item?

Our Vegetable Fried Rice with Edamame is a great protein-rich dish on its own. Adding chicken, beef or shrimp makes this an even higher source of protein.

Air Fryer Vegetables, Potato Bites & Fries

Are Air Fryer Potato Bites good for breakfast too?

Our potato bites complement main courses throughout the day—breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Can I prepare Pictsweet Farms Air Fryer items in the oven?

All Pictsweet Farms vegetables have cooking directions on the packaging, and we recommend following the directions to achieve the best results.

Do I need to add oil before cooking the Pictsweet Farms items in the air fryer?

No, these items have been specially seasoned and have just a small amount of oil to give the perfect results.

What makes these items different than other Pictsweet Farms items?

They have been blanched and seasoned especially for this cooking method. They also can be prepared using other cooking methods, but an air fryer will give the best results.

What makes Pictsweet Farms Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries different than non-air fryer fries?

Our fries start with sweet potatoes that have been picked at the peak of freshness, peeled, cut, blanched and then frozen under ideal conditions to allow the fries to be the perfect crispness that only an air fryer can deliver.

Can I cook other items in the air fryer?

Pictsweet Farms has blanched and seasoned air fryer vegetables, potato bites & fries specifically for air fryer cooking. While other frozen vegetables can be cooked in an air fryer, they may not be as crispy or cook quite as well as Pictsweet Farms Air Fryer Vegetables, Potato Bites & Fries.

What makes air fryer cooking different?

The air fryer is designed to cook at a high temperature with circulating air to give a crisp texture in a short amount of time.

How many items can I cook in the air fryer at one time?

It depends on the size of the air fryer. However, it is best to place the items in a single layer and not stack or overcrowd the fryer to get the best crispy results.

Is air frying healthier than deep frying?

Air fryer preparation generally uses very little oil. Therefore, it will be healthier than deep frying in oil.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

You will get the best results if you follow the instructions and preheat the air fryer.

Do I need to shake the air fryer basket?

The directions will ask you to shake halfway through the cooking time. This will give the best results.

Can I open the air fryer while cooking?

Yes, and opening halfway through the time to shake or turn the product will give the best results.

How does food prepared in an air fryer taste?

Pictsweet Farms Air Fryer items have been designed with just the right amount of seasoning or breading to provide great taste. In addition, cooking in the air fryer gives a crispy exterior to the product. This combination gives a great eating experience.

Vegetables for Roasting (in a Pan)

Are these the same items as Pictsweet Farms Vegetables for Grilling?

No, our Vegetables for Roasting (in a Pan) feature unique vegetables and seasonings, each packed in a special black-bottom pan designed to shorten the cook time either in the oven or on the grill.

What is the difference between Pictsweet Farms Vegetables for Roasting (in a Pan) and Vegetables for Roasting that come in a bag?

All our vegetables for Roasting are unique vegetable blends developed for oven preparation. Vegetables for Roasting (in a Pan) provide the ultimate convenience, including a recyclable pan to accelerate overall the cook time either in the oven or on the grill.

Do I need to add any ingredients or spices to the vegetables?

We have already seasoned the vegetables, so nothing else is needed. However, you can add your own seasonings, if you prefer.

Should I let the vegetables thaw before putting them in the oven or on the grill?

No thawing is necessary; our cooking instructions are based on use of the frozen vegetables in your oven or on your grill.

If my oven or grill temperature exceeds 450 degrees, will it damage the aluminum pan?

No, it will not damage the pan.

Can I cook meat and other food items at the same time the pan is on my grill?

Yes; other foods may be cooked at the same time. However, we recommend minimizing the opening and closing of the oven or grill during the cooking process to ensure consistent cooking temperature throughout the 20 minutes.

Where do I place the pan in the oven or on the grill?

Place the pan containing the frozen vegetables directly over the heat source, on the lowest oven or grill rack.

Is your packaging recyclable?

Yes, our box and aluminum pans are recyclable.

Should I add a little water to the pan?

No water is needed; simply follow the instructions shown on the package for best results.

Seasoned Vegetables for Roasting

The products have oil and seasoning. Should I add other seasonings?

The vegetables have been pre-seasoned so it is not necessary to add other ingredients. However, you can add additional seasonings, if you prefer.

What size baking sheet should I use to cook the whole bag?

You should use an 11” x 17” pan for cooking the entire bag.

Do you have any varieties without seasoning already on them?

Yes; please refer to the Vegetables for Roasting section of the website for details on the various unseasoned varieties of the product line. For those products, you will need to add oil, salt and pepper.

Is your packaging recyclable?

Yes, our film packaging is recyclable.

Vegetables for Southern Cooking

What is the difference between Pictsweet Farms Vegetables for Southern Cooking and Southern Classics?

All of our Vegetables for Southern Cooking are traditionally seasoned dishes that are ready to eat in 20 minutes. Many of our Southern Classics are vegetables that are frequently enjoyed as an ingredient in a traditional Southern recipe.

Can I use Vegetables for Southern Cooking in my recipes?

Vegetables for Southern Cooking are already seasoned and can be prepared in just 20 minutes. We recommend that you continue to use Pictsweet Farms Southern Classics or Family Size items as an ingredient to a traditional Southern recipe.

How long do I cook Vegetables for Southern Cooking for a large gathering?

Cook times for multiple packages of Vegetables for Southern Cooking are the same as they are for a single bag—20 minutes. Make sure that you follow the cooking directions on the bag, adding the water necessary for each additional bag and a pot big enough for cooking.

What have you done to the Vegetables for Southern Cooking so that they cook in only 20 minutes?

Our vegetables have been picked at the peak of freshness, blanched and then frozen under the perfect conditions to enable the short 20 minutes cook time.

Can I put Vegetables for Southern Cooking into boiling water?

We recommend adding water as directed to frozen Vegetables for Southern Cooking before cooking and then bringing them to a boil for optimum results.