How to Create a Picture Perfect Smoothie

Trying to make the perfect smoothie can be a daunting task. A few months ago, I was making a smoothie with my twin sister. We were planning to do a mixed fruit smoothie, with spinach, mango, and blueberries. The pressure was on since our brother had just made a killer smoothie consisting of watermelon, mint, and a squeeze of lime. He held the coveted position of smoothie master in our house, the one whose smoothies everyone asked for a glass of. Yet, despite his success rate, I had a glimmer of hope that Lena and I could best him. 

Determined, I threw the ingredients in the blender, making sure to put the most easily blendable ingredient - the spinach - at the bottom and pilling the other ingredients on top. I added a banana, thinking that it would help produce the smooth consistency that was just what we needed.  I finished it off with about ⅓ a cup of almond milk and gave the blender a whirl. 

The almond milk was my biggest mistake. It permeated everything so that I couldn’t taste the individual ingredients, only the overpowering milk. 

The banana was another. Rather than being smooth throughout, the smoothie was half chunky, half watery, a most unpleasant consistency. 

It was the worst smoothie experience of my life. A true humiliation. 

But I decided that I wouldn’t give up. Not until I formulated the perfect smoothie. Weeks have passed and many sleepless nights and I think I might have created the formula for the perfect smoothie. 

Here are the keys to making a truly great smoothie

• Use frozen bananas: If you have any ripe bananas, cut some up and put them in the freezer. Frozen bananas are a great addition to smoothies. They act as a moderator, tying ingredients together and creating a smooth and creamy texture. 
• Add grains/seeds: Adding grains or seeds, like oatmeal or hemp seeds is a great way to make the texture of your smoothie more interesting and incorporate protein into your meal. 
• Use coconut water rather than dairy products: In my experience making smoothies, the addition of milk or yogurt can dilute flavor and result in a sub-par smoothie. To let ingredients shine, try opting for coconut water, which is high in electrolytes and a good source of electrolytes. Water also works. 
• Blend in stages: Blend your liquids and greens first and then add in the rest of the ingredients. This will ensure that your smoothie is consistent in texture and delicious. 

These tips will ensure that you make a top-notch smoothie, and might even help you ascend to the position of smoothie master.