Are you one of those people who love smoothies but don’t have the time to make them every day?
Do you sometimes find yourself wishing you could just grab a quick and healthy smoothie on your way to work instead of settling for an unhealthy breakfast pastry?
If so, read on! In this article, I’ll cover how to store smoothies so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them later.
According to the Utah State University (USU), smoothies can be an effective way to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in our diets. A diet high in fruits and vegetables has benefits, such as a lower risk of diseases like diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
One of the best things about smoothies is that they’re quick and easy to make. However, if you’re short on time in the morning, it can be difficult to find the time to make a smoothie.
Luckily, there are a few simple ways to store smoothies so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them later.
Let’s get started!
What You Will Need to Store Smoothies
Mason Jar
One of the easiest ways to store smoothies is in a Mason jar. Simply make your smoothie as usual and pour it into a jar with a lid.
If you’re using frozen fruit, you may want to add a little extra liquid so your smoothie isn’t too thick.
Mason jars can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, so you can make your smoothie the night before and enjoy it the next day.
Ice Cube Trays
Another way to store smoothies is in ice cube trays. This is a great option if you want to make individual servings of smoothies or if you want to add smoothie cubes to other drinks.
Simply make your smoothie as usual and pour it into ice cube trays. Freeze for a few hours or overnight.
To use, simply place the desired number of cubes in a blender with some liquid and blend until smooth. You may need to add a little extra liquid when you blend, as smoothies tend to separate when frozen.
Freezer-Safe Container
If you want to store your smoothie for longer than 24 hours, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container. Simply make your smoothie as usual and pour it into a freezer-safe container.
If you’re using frozen fruit, you may want to add a little extra liquid so your smoothie isn’t too thick. Freeze for up to three months.
To thaw, simply place the container in the fridge overnight or for a few hours before you plan to drink it. You may need to add a little extra liquid when you thaw it, as smoothies tend to separate when frozen.
Ziploc Bag
If you’re traveling with your smoothie or want to take it on the go, you can store it in a Ziploc bag. Simply make your smoothie as usual and pour it into a Ziploc bag.
Seal the bag and place it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. To drink, simply snip off one corner of the bag and drink from it like a straw.
Freeze in popsicle form
If you’re looking for a refreshing and fun way to store your smoothies, try freezing them in popsicle form! Simply make your smoothie as usual and pour it into popsicle molds.
To eat, simply remove the popsicle from the mold and enjoy!
Use an Immersion Blender
If you have an immersion blender, you can blend your smoothie right in the container you plan to store it in. This will help keep everything together and minimize cleanup.
An immersion blender is a great way to make smoothies ahead of time and store them in the fridge for later.
Just blend everything in a container, seal it up, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to drink it, just give it a good shake or stir and enjoy.
How to Make Sure Your Smoothies Stay Fresh
One of the best things about smoothies is that they’re quick and easy to make. But if you’re making them ahead of time, it’s important to know how to store them so they stay fresh.
Here are a few tips to help you make sure your smoothies stay fresh:
– Don’t add dairy: If you’re planning on storing your smoothie for more than a few hours, avoid adding dairy. Dairy can spoil quickly, so it’s best to avoid it if you’re not going to drink your smoothie right away.
– Add a squeeze of lemon juice: Adding a squeeze of lemon juice to your smoothie can help preserve it and prevent it from turning brown.
– Make sure the fruits and vegetables you add are fresh. If your smoothie includes dairy, eggs, or fish, it should be consumed within 24 hours.
– if you’re adding any fresh fruits or vegetables to your smoothie, be sure to wash them thoroughly before adding them to the mix. This will help prevent bacteria from growing in your smoothie.
– if you’re adding any perishable ingredients, such as yogurt or honey, be sure to use them within a week.
– If you find that your smoothies tend to separate when stored, try adding a thickener such as chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or Greek yogurt. These ingredients will help to keep your smoothie emulsified and prevent separation.
No matter how you choose to store your smoothies, be sure to drink them within 24 hours for the best quality. Smoothies are a great way to get in all of your nutrients, but they’re best when they’re fresh.
So there you have it! Now you know how to store smoothies so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them later. Go forth and blend up those delicious concoctions!
Benefits of Storing Smoothies
When it comes to storing smoothies, there are a few benefits that stand out. First, smoothies can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. This means that you can make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
Additionally, smoothies can also be frozen. By freezing them, you can have a healthy and delicious treat on hand for when those sugar cravings kick in.
Lastly, smoothies are a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. By drinking one every day, you can easily reach your recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. So, not only are smoothies delicious, but they’re also good for you!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a few simple ways to store smoothies so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them later. Mason jars, freezer-safe containers, and ice cube trays are all great options for storing smoothies.
And if you’re traveling with your smoothie or want to take it on the go, a Ziploc bag is a convenient option.
So next time you’re short on time, don’t settle for an unhealthy breakfast pastry. Grab a quick and healthy smoothie instead. Your body will thank you for it!
FAQ
1. How long can you keep a smoothie in the fridge?
Assuming your smoothie is properly sealed and stored in the fridge, it should be safe to drink for up to 48 hours.
After that, the quality of the smoothie will start to decline and it may not taste as fresh. If you’re not sure if a smoothie is still good, err on the side of caution and throw it out.
2. Can smoothies be frozen?
Yes, smoothies can be frozen! This is a great way to make sure you always have a delicious and healthy snack on hand.
Just pour your smoothie into an ice cube tray or freezer-safe container and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the smoothies overnight in the fridge or blend them up from frozen.
3. What containers can you freeze smoothies in?
You can freeze smoothies in any container that is safe for freezing food. This includes plastic containers, glass jars, and even ice cube trays. Make sure to leave enough headspace in the container so that the smoothie has room to expand as it freezes.
You can also use silicone muffin tins or popsicle molds to freeze your smoothies into individual servings.
4. How do you freeze fruit for smoothies?
To freeze fruit for smoothies, first, wash and dry the fruit. Cut it into small pieces and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Freeze the fruit for at least 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the fruit to a freezer bag or container.
When you’re ready to make a smoothie, add the frozen fruit to a blender with some milk or juice and blend until smooth.