Written by: Sara Coleman
Drinking fruit smoothies is a popular way of promoting wellness as it’s an easy way to consume vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. They can be easily added into your meals as a healthy dessert or snack, adjusted for any diet, and you can drink them on the go from a flask if you’re on the move! Fruit smoothies are also a great way of making use of the fruits you have at home so they don’t go to waste.
You can choose from a large variety of fruits that provide various health benefits. Wish Farms berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are an excellent source of antioxidants and can give Phytonutrients that can fight diseases. Tropical fruits such as pineapple, bananas and mangoes are loaded with high amounts of vitamin C. Some fruits like apples and pears are a great source of fiber that aid your digestive system. Once you’ve chosen your fruit, here are tips to help you get started with the smoothie making process.
A good blender for good mixing
When making smoothies, the first step to consider is what type of blender you will be using. While even a relatively inexpensive blender can also provide good results, it’s worth investing in a high-powered blender that makes it easier to whip up the fruits to a smoother, creamier state. Using a good blender is often more convenient than using a juicer for breaking down citrus fruits, like oranges or lemons, if you want to add juice as a smoothie base. When blending your fruits, a recommended speed is to start off slowly, then gradually increase it for the ingredients to blend well together before ending with a low speed.
Blending with frozen fruits and dairy
Taking the delicious berries from Wish Farms and freezing them before you blend is the best method as it keeps the smoothie colder and thicker, compared to using fresh fruit with ice. You could make your own sumptuous combination of soft summer fruits, like strawberry and raspberry, or a deep rich purple blueberry smoothie. When adding liquid, regular milk is fine, though you’re free to use any kind of milk that suits your tastes. Commonly used milk are almond milk for a nutty taste, and coconut milk for tropical smoothies, such as mango or pineapple. If you choose not to use dairy, you can increase the fruit and juice by half a cup instead. If you think the smoothie isn’t sweet enough, you can add natural sweeteners like honey, ripe fruit or berries.
Add-ins for a unique flavor
Fresh mint, unsweetened cacao powder, vanilla or almond extract, and cinnamon are some popular smoothie add-ins without additional sugar. For an extra nutritional boost, you can add vegetables, like one to two cups of spinach or kale. Even a cup of frozen cauliflower can add a healthy green touch to your smoothie without affecting the taste. When using spinach, do keep in mind that depending on the fruit you use, the greens may change the color of your smoothie. Meanwhile, coffee is a recommended add-in when smoothies only have bananas as its main ingredient.
Fruit smoothies are a great and convenient way to maintain your health, and can be easily made in the comfort of your own home, especially with ripe and ready fruit from Wish Farms. While smoothies can be store-bought, there’s a certain fun in being able to create and prepare your own. There are many that offer various delicious and healthy recipes you may be willing to try out, but feel free to experiment with different fruits and flavors to create a smoothie that you can enjoy.
Here is one of our favorite smoothies you can try at home with your fresh Wish Farms berries.
Strawberry Almond Butter Smoothie
