how to make smoothies

When it comes to food, we want the best and most healthy options we can find.  With a striking array of fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from, farmer’s and produces markets are the go-to destinations for organic, nutritious and freshly harvested produce. And if you’re a smoothie lover, you know that fresh produce makes the best smoothies. Forget about greenhouse produce or fruits that sit for days, maybe weeks in a shipping container, you want only the best for your meals.  This includes smoothies, of course.  You know I love them, especially green smoothies.

In addition to picking the best produce for your smoothie recipes, you should also pay attention to your blender. The blender you choose for your creations can mean the difference between lumpy, gritty smoothies and smooth, heavenly ones. You see, all blenders are not created equal. Some are great at crushing ice – bring on the margaritas – but not so great at creating smoothies. Here are 4 things to consider when buying a blender…

4 Things You Should Consider before Buying a Blender

1. Blending Skills – If you’re going to make smoothies, you need a blender that can create smooth, creamy ones. Many blenders fall short in this department and leave you with large chunks and pieces of your ingredients. You have to choose a model that’s fast and strong enough to crush ice and break down greens and frozen fruit. However, mere crushing ability won’t cut it as many models crush ice but still leave lumps. Look for a blender that purees ice and frozen produce thoroughly and efficiently. After all, who has 20 minutes or more to blend a smoothie? Look at reviews online and compare the blender specs to top models like Nutribullet, Blendtec and Vitamix.
2. Options and Upgrades – If you will use your blender for other things, you will want to look at the options and upgrades available for each blender you’re considering. Many blenders come equipped with different blades that allow for a variety of tasks including kneading, mincing, chopping, mixing, grating and more. These days, many come with travel cups and lids. The blender you choose will depend primarily on how you wish to use it. If you plan on using yours for a variety of tasks, a higher-end model with all the bells and whistles will probably suit best.
3. Durability – Crushing ice and frozen fruits and veggies takes its toll. If you don’t want to replace your blender due to a burnt out or faulty motor after a short amount of time, you must choose one with a powerful motor. It is often less expensive to pay a little more in the beginning for a blender that will last for years than to purchase an inexpensive blender that will only last a few months, making it necessary for you to purchase another one.  Also, go for a glass or thick plastic blender pitcher if you can over thinner plastic pitchers.  Thin plastic can get scratched up and may break easily.
4. Price – As you can imagine, blenders range in price from very inexpensive to extremely pricy. While you don’t have to purchase the most expensive model you find – expensive doesn’t always mean better – you do have to consider your budget. Always purchase the best blender your budget will allow. Read reviews, do your homework, and find a blender you can afford and, most importantly, one that meets your needs.

Takeaways: If you think any blender will do, think again. If you wish to create truly heavenly smoothies, you have to choose the right produce as well as the right blender. Remember, expensive doesn’t always mean better. Be sure to study product reviews before selecting the right blender for the job.