How to Make the Perfect Smoothie Every Time

Smoothies have climbed the ranks in recent years as one of the trendiest and most enjoyed breakfasts.

However, smoothies are not only good for breakfast – they can be a mid-afternoon snack, post workout protein boost and sometimes even a dessert for those that prefer something a bit healthier than ice cream.

Either way, smoothies are a fun, easy, and delicious way to get your daily share of berries, fruits, and vegetables in.

The question is, however, what makes the perfect smoothie? Believe it or not, there is a science behind the perfect smoothie, and if you are a perfectionist (like us) then you will also want to make sure your smoothie has everything in it that you need.

How to Make the Perfect Smoothie

To be clear, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to making your smoothie – it can be whatever you want it to be.

However, these building blocks of the perfect smoothie will make sure that you make the best smoothie of your life, every single time.

Step One – Start with a Liquid Base

Even the toughest blenders need a certain amount of liquid to help the blades move through the solid ingredients with ease. The more liquid you use, the runnier your smoothie will be. For decadently thick smoothies (or smoothie bowls) use less of your chosen liquid.

Liquid options include:

• Milk – Full Cream for a high fat content and skimmed milk for a low-fat content
• Dairy alternatives such as almond, soy, or oat milk
• Fruit juice (remember fruit juice is high in sugar, so avoid it if you want to reduce your sugar intake)
• Coconut milk (high in fat)
• Coconut water
• Vegetable juice
• Water
• Green tea
• Black coffee
• Dairy yoghurt or dairy free yoghurt (soy or coconut)

Step Two – Add the Frozen Fruit and Vegetables

Fruit and vegetables are an important part of your smoothie as they provide essential nutrition, vitamins, and minerals for your body.

Banana is often used as a base fruit, especially for extra creamy smoothies while other fruits are more for flavour and their unique nutritional benefit.

Below are some ideas for fruit and vegetables that work well in a smoothie:

Fruit:

• Mango
• Pineapple
• Papaya
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Dragon fruit
• Kiwi fruit
• Granadilla

Vegetables

• Zucchini – with a neutral taste, zucchini can be added to almost any smoothie without changing the flavour. In the background, it packs nutritional punch and can be used raw, cooked, or frozen
• Cucumber – extremely hydrating and high in vitamin C, making it great for immune boosting smoothies. Unless you are buying organic, be sure to peel your cucumber before adding it to your smoothie
• Cauliflower – loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein, this neutral tasting powerhouse of a vegetable makes the perfect addition to any smoothie
• Leafy greens – leafy greens such as spinach and kale make excellent ingredients for a nutritious smoothie. Too much can result in a bitter taste, so a handful should do. Try to only use organic leafy greens as these are some of the most sprayed vegetables around

Step Three: Give it Some Body

Protein is an essential ingredient in smoothies, and you should try your best to always include it as it provides additional substance to your smoothie.

The following are all ingredients that will boost your protein intake:

• Protein powders
• Tofu
• Peanut butter
• Coconut flesh
• Oats
• Quinoa

Using soy-based products as your liquid will also increase the protein count.

Step Four – Flavour it Up

This is where your imagination can run wild. Adding extra ingredients can really take your smoothie game to the next level.

Think along the lines of:

• Dates, raisins, or cranberries
• Variety of nuts
• Mixed seeds
• Toasted coconut (sprinkle on top)

Step Five - Give it a Boost

Superfoods are a sure way to get even more nutrition into your daily smoothie. Most superfoods come in the form of powder and their nutrient content is highly concentrated, so you really don't need much to give your smoothie an extra boost.

The following are options for superfoods that can be added to your smoothie:

• Chia seeds
• Wheatgerm
• Maca powder
• Spirulina
• Cocao powder or nibs
• Hemp seeds or powder

Step Five – Blend and Enjoy

Put all your ingredients into the blender, starting with your liquid first making sure it covers the blades. Then, add your frozen ingredients, top it with your protein and finish it off with any other flavours or powders your want to add.

Blend and enjoy immediately!

Berries Express – Suppliers of Fresh and Frozen Fruit in Cape Town

We are always striving towards a healthier, more balanced way of living and our goal is to make the same kind of lifestyle accessible to our clients.

Therefore, to bring health and convenience to your blenders, we have designed and put together smoothie packs, filled with all the right fruits and vegetables to make the perfect smoothie ever time. All you need to do is add your liquid and protein of choice – and, of course, anything else your decadent smoothie loving heart desires.

To find out more about our smoothie packs or any of our other products, please feel free to contact us or visit our online shop to place your order directly.