Smoothies are cool . . . again.
Yep, those health drinks that were so totally groovy in the '70s have been retooled into a marketing masterpiece.As with many trends, California has been battling "smoothie wars" for a couple of years. No matter who won the fight, the fallout has resulted in quick-to-act local entrepreneurs capitalizing on a good thing.
Frozen fruit/yogurt "shakes" have become wildly trendy among teens - although they're not exclusive to the younger crowd. At most venues, the menu of cleverly-named drinks draw in the customer and offer variety and flamboyantly-flavorful tastes.
In the case of smoothies, the "lemming" theory holds true. If flocks of people are lined up to anxiously buy something they say is delicious AND healthful . . . it's easy to leap over that culinary cliff into the land of Orange Orbit or Jamaica-Me-Crazy.
And if your friends say it's cool . . .
After sampling smoothies from various locales, here's a scenario of a trip to a Juice Bar. We'll call the experience "THE BIG SQUEEZE."
At a popular strip mall location, THIRSTY PERSON waits patiently (for 15 minutes) in a line that snakes out the door.
Somewhat aware of the healthy implications, but more concerned with taste, THIRSTY PERSON finally reaches the may-I-take-your-order counter and selects a "Peenya-Kowlada" (a pineapple, coconut and banana combo). Unflinchingly, THIRSTY PERSON pays $3, gives his name to a Juice person, and finds a seat in the corner of the small storefront shop, to wait for another 10 minutes.
Finally . . . the Juice person yells out "THIRSTY PERSON."
Smoothie finally in hand, "THIRSTY PERSON" punches a straw through the plastic lid, and draws a huge mouthful of the freezing treat.
At this point, may we recommend that future plastic foam smoothie cups (usually 24-ounce) be labeled with the following warning:
Beware Smoothie Inhaler! Avoid rapid straw action and quick, fervent consumption of this frozen drink. Such an overload of cold is known as "Brainfreeze," and can detract from the smoothie experience.
The smoothie formula is so simple that hesitant wanna-be Juice Place franchisees are now crying in their Blackberry Bursts.
Here's just HOW basic the smoothie is: Take a handful of fruit, yogurt and ice, whirl in an industrial-strength blender - and you're ready to sip. Shake up the recipe by adding a different fruit or a fresh-squeezed juice. Vegetables sometimes are used in the mix, though not as popular as frozen fruit.
A wild and crazy name also adds allure to the expensive elixers. (Most range from $2.95 to $ 3.95).
Most Smoothie/Juice bars offer "boosters," (the first two free) supplements purported to "burn fat, increase energy and add vitamins." From wheat germ, bee pollen and carbo boost (other additions are available), the health aspect of the natural juice blends is underscored.
Most "healthy helps" don't change the smoothie's flavor, although fresh wheatgrass (displayed in flats behind the counter) juice definitely transforms a smooth and refreshing drink into a study in grazing.
So why don't folks just whip up smoothies in their own kitchen?
Some of the drawbacks are not having crushed ice on hand, and blenders whose weak engines burn up.
But the sweet, refreshing and good-for-you qualities are a natural for experimentation at home.
Gabriel Constans, author of "Great American Smoothies" says that a good medium-priced blender with a strong motor can be purchased for around $45.
"You can, of course, opt for the do-it-yourself manual mixer. This works by placing the ingredients into a large glass with a tight-fitting lid, and rolling, shaking and jumping up and down for days," the smoothie guru suggests.
Now that summer is on the horizon, why not try a foray into fruit, yogurt and ice. We think you'll be amazed at how easy it is to come up with your personal favorite of the frozen smoothie.
Smoothies provide a healthful alternative to the quick-fix grease-and-cholesterol-saturated foods that are so common in the American diet.
They can be concocted easily - taking only five to 10 minutes to make your favorite drink. A quick smoothie breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack is a snap.
"Smoothies put a little spark in your life," says Constans.
"If your life is already sparked, they help ignite it! And if your fire's been lit for some time, they keep it burning," he says.
We think that the smoothie craze fuels the imagination, enabling the consumer to feel alive and healthy.
And clever marketing feeds those loyal souls who line up each night to put their money on a winner.
Sample one franchise's Smoothiesque philosophy that welcomes customers. They say that their company is ". . . home to a nomadic tribe that wanders the earth in search of sacred edibles - with only a blender on our backs. Wherever we find delicious fruits and veggies - and an electrical outlet - we'll blend them into tasty, nutritious, positive "karmic konkoktions" just for you."
Delicious!
Hey! Try the smoothie thing - plug in the blender and while pulsing, make up a bizarre background tale complete with personalized smoothie names.
Apparently, schtick sells smoothies.
*****
Recipes
STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE
1 banana
6 medium strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1 medium kiwi
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup apple juice
4 tablespoons nonfat plain yogurt
Peel and slice the banana; freeze overnight. (Bananas should only stay in the freezer for 3 days at the most). Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth with no fruit chunks. Fresh juice (not from concentrate) is suggested. Serves 1.
- Each serving contains 410 calories, 1g fat, 89g carb, 187mg sodium, 5mg cholesterol, 2% calories from fat.
- From Toronto Runners
COCONUT-ORANGE SMOOTHIE
1 orange, peeled, cut in bite-size pieces
1/2 cup crushed ice
1 cup nonfat yogurt
2 tablespoons cream of coconut
Juice of 1 fresh lime
Orange cartwheel twist for garnish
In blender, combine all ingredients except garnish; blend until smooth. Garnish with orange cartwheel twist threaded on short wooden skewer. Makes one 12-ounce serving.
- Each serving contains 302 calories, 18g fat, 36g carb, 61mg sodium, 30mg cholesterol, 27% calories from fat.
- From Sunkist
BANANA-ORANGE SMOOTHIE
2 8-ounce containers lowfat cherry yogurt
2 bananas, peeled, cut into pieces
2 oranges, peeled, white pith removed, cut into segments
16 frozen dark cherries
12 frozen strawberries
Combine 1 container yogurt, 1 banana, 1 orange, 8 cherries and 6 strawberries in blender. Blend on medium speed until smooth. Divide between 2 glasses. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serves 4.
- Each serving contains 264 calories, 2g fat, 57g carb, 72mg sodium, 5mg cholesterol, 5% calories from fat.
- From Bon Appetit
SUPER FRUIT SMOOTHIE
2 medium oranges, peeled, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup plain lowfat yogurt
1 cup fruit, your choice: bananas, cut into bite-size pieces; strawberries, fresh or frozen; mango pieces, etc.
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup crushed ice
Place all ingredients, except ice, in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Add ice, blend briefly and serve. Makes 2 servings.
- Each serving contains 195 calories, 2g fat, 38g carb, 83mg sodium, 7mg cholesterol, 10% calories from fat.
- From Sunkist
DOUBLE CHERRY SMOOTHIE
1 cup plain yogurt
1 medium banana
1 medium orange, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
4 maraschino cherries with stems, drained
Combine yogurt, banana, orange, maraschino cherries and cherry juice in blender container; blend until smooth. Pour into two 12-ounce glasses. Garnish each glass with two maraschino cherries. Makes 2 servings.
- Each serving contains 246 calories, 4g fat, 48g carb, 82mg sodium, 12mg cholesterol, 14% calories from fat.
- From National Cherry Foundation
PEACH-HONEY SMOOTHIE
11/4 cups plain lowfat yogurt
1 pound ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup honey
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Divide 1 cup yogurt among 8 sections of ice cube tray. Freeze until yogurt cubes are solid, at least 4 hours. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead; keep frozen.) Puree peaches with lemon juice in processor or blender. Add remaining 1/4 cup yogurt, honey and vanilla.
Process until mixture is well blended. Add frozen yogurt cubes and process until mixture is smooth and frothy. Pour into chilled tall glasses and serve. Makes 2 servings.
- Each serving contains 302 calories, 3g fat, 60g carb, 109mg sodium, 9mg cholesterol, 9% calories from fat.
- From Epicurious