Guide to Blending  |  Selecting Ingredients
Guide to Blending  |  Selecting Ingredients

Guide to Blending

Selecting Ingredients

Consider selecting ingredients that compliment what you are eating in your meals and make sure to rotate your fruits and vegetables so that you are consuming a diverse diet.

A fresh smoothie tastes best when you start with quality ingredients. You may have made smoothies before with fruit, but you can also add veggies like avocado or cooked sweet potato to a blended drink. Getting creative with other blended foods such as soups, dips, dressings, or desserts can increase your intake of vegetables and fruit, too.

When it comes to adding fruit and veggies to your smoothie:

Bright Is Best

Look for produce that is vibrant in color without bruises or brown spots. 

Pick What’s in Season

Find a farmers’ market or search for a guide to help you discover seasonal produce in your area. 

Use Your Nose

Ripe produce often smells sweet or fresh. Don’t be afraid to sniff before you buy!

Pick a Price That’s Right for You

Organic is great, but if you can’t afford it, look for produce that is fresh and vibrant, and when you can, shop locally at a farmers’ market.

Frozen Is Fine.

Frozen fruits and vegetables retain tons of nutrients and are an affordable option. Plus, frozen foods make smoothies extra thick and creamy.

Keep Variety in Mind

Consider selecting ingredients that compliment what you are eating in your meals and make sure to rotate your fruits and vegetables so that you are consuming a diverse diet.

Best Fruits for a Smoothie

  • Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberies
  • Chunks of peeled mango, papaya, pineapple, or melon
  • Pitted cherries, peaches, and nectarines
  • Fresh or frozen ripe banana
  • Peeled kiwifruit slices
  • Citrus such as lemon, lime, orange slices, or grapefruit slices

Best Veggies for a Smoothie

  • Leafy greens, such as spinach, lettuce, kale, chard, or collards
  • Cooked beets
  • Fresh or frozen broccoli or cauliflower (frozen cauliflower rice works great)
  • Cooked sweet potato or winter squash
  • Frozen peas or carrots
  • Raw celery, cucumber, or zucchini (can be fresh or frozen)

Consider selecting ingredients that compliment what you are eating in your meals and make sure to rotate your fruits and vegetables so that you are consuming a diverse diet.

Back | Next