I used to not be a big smoothie person. I mean, they were nice and all, but I rarely made them. I’d rather eat my calories than drink them, but then I discovered that if you make a smoothie thick enough, you can pour in a bowl and eat it with a spoon.
And now I make one (or sometimes two) almost every day! Especially since it’s warming up now, there’s nothing like a refreshing and energizing afternoon fruit smoothie.
Lately, though, I’ve learned a secret to making, what I think, is the best smoothie ever. As in, if I don’t have this ingredient on hand, it’s hardly worth it to make a smoothie.
It will sound strange, but try it, and I think you’ll be convinced.
Ready for it?
Ok…
Cantaloupe.
Cantaloupe!
Can you imagine? This little melon adds a level of freshness and awesomeness to a smoothie that is unparalleled, at least in my opinion. I don’t know where I first heard of putting melon in a smoothie, but I know that it didn’t sound like a good idea to me. But then one day I had a few pieces in the fridge and decided to throw them into my blender on a whim. Best decision ever!
Another tip for smoothies (at least if you’re like me and like them super thick) is to freeze all the fruit going into the smoothie. Mango, blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, peach…whatever your fruit flavors of choice are, keep them in the freezer so they are ready to go at a moment’s smoothie craving. And bananas…always bananas! Frozen bananas are definitely the secret to a thick and creamy smoothie. You can also use frozen or fresh avocado for creaminess instead of a banana, but just be careful you don’t use too much or else it will taste like baby food (speaking from experience here).
I’ve also lately been adding a tablespoon of this to my smoothies, which is supposed to be good for hair, nails, and bones. I have problems with brittle nails so hoping to see that improve with this product! Plus, it adds additional creaminess, which is never a bad thing.
And one last tip: I keep a ice cube tray in the freezer with frozen coconut water, juice, and/or milk to add as well. Like I said, the more frozen-y things you use, the thicker your smoothie can get.
So here’s how to make a really good smoothie:
Freeze your fruit.
Place the frozen fruit (don’t forget the cantaloupe!) into a blender, along with any frozen juice/milk.
Add in some milk/nut milk/water/coconut water/tea/juice till it looks or feels right.
Add in some vanilla, if you like (i do).
Blend it all up.
Eat or drink and feel marvelous!
What about you: yes or no to smoothies? yes or no to cantaloupe in smoothies?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I've never tried cantaloupe in a smoothie (although now, WANT TO) but three cheers for gelatin! It's super good for your gut, too, and I need all of that I can get. : )
Ha, don't we all need more of whatever gives us happy tummies! 😉
YES to smoothies!!! We have them practically every day in the summer… sometimes twice a day. One of our favorites is banana con leche: frozen banana, milk, and a dash of vanilla. I like to add chia seeds for extra nutrition. I've never had cantelope in a smoothie, but now I'm super curious to try it. Good grief, now I just want a smoothie period. 😉
Haha, those smoothies chase you to the kitchen every time! The banana con leche sounds simple + tasty…I'll have to give it a try sometime.
I would have never thought of that but I'll give it a try. One thing I've learned that when making smoothies or any blended drink is the key to them not being slushy is to blend them much longer then you think you need to, long after the ice has stopped crunching.
I LOVE your blog by the way. You're very talented, open, and honest. Keep it up:)
Ha, I've never actually put the whole “blend longer” thing together…but now that you mention it, it does get creamier when you give it to time to blend. Good tip!