Smoothie revival
This article was originally published in February 2014
Seeking to eat more fruits and veggies in 2014? Boost your produce intake by blending together a creamy, cool concoction packed with flavor and nutrients. Here are a few tips for mixing the best smoothie along with some fresh ideas for creative add-ins.
Freeze your fruit
Frozen fruit will lead to thicker, creamier smoothies. Plus it eliminates the need for ice, which can water down your smoothies. Cut fruit into chunks, freeze on a baking sheet and then store in a zip-top bag. This works especially well for bananas.
Add oatmeal
Give your smoothie some heft and an extra dose of fiber by mixing in ground oatmeal. Grind about 1/4 cup oatmeal into a powder in your blender or food processor and then add it to the rest of your smoothie ingredients.
Liquid first
The order in which you incorporate ingredients does make a difference. Add liquids to the blender first to help get the process going. Start with milk, juice, water or yogurt, then add frozen fruit and powders. Add any fresh fruit last.
Spice it up
A bit of warming spice brightens up any smoothie, adds depth of flavor and can boost your immune system. Try a dash of ground cinnamon in a berry smoothie, or add a slice of fresh or pinch of ground ginger to a greens smoothie.
Quality ingredients make it great
Stop by your neighborhood PCC for outstanding ingredients to add to your next smoothie:
LaPierre Farms Frozen Organic Blueberries
Exclusive to PCC, these sweet, outstanding, locally grown blueberries are freshly picked in the summer and then frozen immediately to preserve their quality and taste. Pick up a two-pound bag in the freezer case.
Yogurt
Add probiotics and protein to your smoothie plus creamy texture with a dollop of yogurt. Choose from a huge variety in our dairy case, including cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, coconut milk, almond milk and soy- and rice-based options.
Garden of Life RAW Protein Powder
This plant-based protein powder offers 17 grams of protein per serving plus live probiotics and enzymes. It’s a great alternative to soy and whey-based powders and is certified organic, Non-GMO Verified and vegan. Choose from Chocolate, Vanilla or Vanilla Chai.
Make a cool and refreshing Creamy Greens Smoothie »