Fruit smoothies are delicious, can satisfy your sweet cravings and can provide you lots of antioxidants and vitamins. Smoothies are the perfect breakfast that will keep you full and give you the energy you need throughout the day. It’s really important to know which ingredients to put in your smoothie to get all the nutritional benefits. Follow our steps because they’ll help you prepare the perfect fruit smoothie!
Components of a Basic Smoothie:
1. Liquid
Liquid is the number one component of your smoothie.
Your options:
- Water: perfect choice that won’t affect the flavor of your drink
- Coconut water: it will give your smoothie a nice tropical flavor
- Milk: Great way to add some calcium. You can use almond, soy, rice or coconut milk
- Fruit juice: avoid store bought juices that are full with sugars. Use only freshly squeezed juices
- Green tea
2. Fruits
You can use both frozen and fresh fruits. Frozen fruits will give your smoothie a nice frozen texture. Your choices and combinations are endless!
3. Thickener
If you want a thicker smoothie, you can add some ice, bananas or some extra frozen fruits. You can also use Greek yogurt, low-fat yogurt, peanut butter, soft tofu or low-fat frozen yogurt.
4. Extra Flavor
Some people like their smoothies sweeter. If you’re making your smoothie using only frozen fruits then you’ll definitely need something to make it sweeter. Instead of using sugar or artificial sweeteners, use honey, stevia, agave nectar, or vanilla extract. You can also add some nutmeg and cinnamon.
5. Power Play
If you want an extra nutritional boost, add some proteins in your smoothie. You can use kale, flax, soy, spinach or vitamin powder.
Smoothie Ratio:
- 1 part fluid
- 1 part ripe fruit
- 2 parts ice/frozen fruit/ thickener
- flavor enhancers (to taste)
- nutritional booster
You can always experiment with these measurements to find the exact smoothie taste you like. There’s no “perfect” smoothie recipe, unless you find it on your own. The mother nature gives us opportunity to try new things every time. So have fun experimenting and cheers to a healthier tomorrow with new smoothie recipe!
Fruit Tips:
- When preparing your smoothie, use an overripe banana. When a banana turns brown, it’s the sweetest.
- Add at least 1 creamy fruit such as: mango, banana, peach, papaya or apple.
- Add water-rich fruits such as: grapes, watermelon, kiwi or oranges.
Flavor Tips:
- You’re looking for a smoothie inspiration? Check out the fruit juice aisle to find inspiration.
- Coconut water goes great with mango, papaya, pineapple and oranges.
- Some other amazing combos are: strawberries and bananas; apples and blueberries; pineapples and mango; oranges and pears.
Read more: How to make a green smoothie