Using frozen bananas instead of ice cubes makes smoothies taste better, according to a food writer who says the swap takes less than five minutes of preparation.
Katherine McPhillips, writing for the Daily Express, explains that while ice can make a drink cooler, it tends to water down the smoothie. This dilutes the flavour, makes the fruit less sweet, and crushed ice can create tiny shards that give the drink a grainy texture.
Why frozen bananas work better
McPhillips says frozen bananas give a smoothie an almost milkshake-like taste while adding fibre and other nutrients. Their natural sweetness means no extra sugar is needed, and because bananas are soft, they blend easily and produce a smoother, thicker drink.
Ice cubes also dull blender blades faster and make the motor work harder, so blending takes longer. Frozen bananas, by contrast, keep the smoothie chilled without those drawbacks.
How to make the smoothie
For one serving, the recipe calls for one banana, 75g of fresh blueberries, 75g of fresh strawberries, 100ml to 150ml of milk, 75g of Greek yoghurt, and one teaspoon of honey or maple syrup (optional).
Frozen berries can be used, but they may make the smoothie extremely thick when combined with frozen bananas and Greek yoghurt, so more milk may be needed to reach the desired consistency. Fresh berries are preferred.
To prepare, chop a ripe banana, place the pieces in an ice tray, and freeze overnight. The slices need about two to three hours to freeze if making the smoothie the same day. A sandwich bag should not be used, as the pieces can freeze into a lump. Only a yellow or browning banana should be used, as a green one is starchy and unpleasant.
When ready, add the milk and Greek yoghurt to the blender first, then the bananas, blueberries and strawberries. Blend until smooth, check the texture, and add more milk if too thick. Taste and add honey or maple syrup if a sweeter result is wanted. Pour into a glass or reusable bottle to serve.
