Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, melons, bananas and peaches are all excellent fruits to freeze ahead for use in smoothies. According to the Colorado State University Extension Service, to freeze fruit, first wash it and cut it into cubes, slices or chunks. Sprinkle light colored fruit, like bananas, with lemon juice to help prevent them from darkening. Place the fruit in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, pop the fruit into self-sealing plastic bags and store in the freezer. You can also puree fresh fruit, freeze it in ice cube trays and then store it in freezer bags.
These recipes are from The National Bone Health Campaign from www.cdc.gov
Carla's Berry Patch Smoothie:
1. Blend 1 cup of your favorite fruit juice with added calcium.
2. Add 1 cup of your favorite fruit (try frozen berries).
3. Toss in some ice cubes to make it extra thick.
Banana Blast Smoothie:
1. Blend 1 cup of rice beverage or soy beverage with added calcium, one banana, a cup of your favorite fruit, 1 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring and a dash of honey.
2. Toss in some ice cubes to make it extra thick.
Sunshine Smoothie:
Blend 1 cup orange juice with added calcium, fat-free or low-fat milk or soy beverage with added calcium, ice cubes and a handful of fruit.
Very Berry Smoothie:
1. Blend 1 cup fat-free or low-fat milk, a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries, and a dash of honey.
2. Toss in some ice cubes to make it extra thick.
Fruit Smash Smoothie:
1. Blend 1 cup of fat-free or low-fat milk, a bunch of frozen strawberries, apricots, bananas and fresh raspberries.
2. Toss in some ice cubes to make it extra thick.
Vanilla Smoothie:
Blend 1 cup orange juice with added calcium, a handful of strawberries, a banana, and 1 8-ounce container of fat-free or low-fat vanilla yogurt.
