You can’t really avoid it, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Processed food is food that’s changed in any way from its natural state. That includes washing, canning, freezing, or adding ingredients to it. Baking, cooking, or preparing it counts as processing, too.
Canning or freezing some fruits and vegetables can help them stay fresh for a long time. Pasteurizing milk and cheese lengthens their shelf life. Similarly, vacuum-packing can keep meat from spoiling. All of these also help cut down on waste.
