Smoothies

SMOOTHIE DEFINITION - The basic smoothie definition is: A blended drink consisting of fruit juice, whole fruit and ice/water.

WHY THE SMOOTHIE? They taste great and are very nutritious. They are filling, offer a good value, are something new and exciting, are great on hot or cold days and again; they taste great!!!

The basic smoothie is rarely seen anymore. Exotic combinations have evolved to take the place of the basic smoothie: (you don't drive a model T automobile anymore do you?)

The well orchestrated, well thought out and great tasting smoothies have flavor profiles that leave the old style basic smoothie in the antique shop. These are some of the ingredients that can be in a smoothie.

• Juice - fresh or frozen or concentrated or powdered
• Yogurt/sherbert/ice cream - soft serve or hard scoop or powdered
• Fruit - Individually Quick Frozen (I.Q.F.) fruits from around the world or fresh
• Supplements - The kind you and I have never heard of!!!
• Flavor enhancement powders - To boost or cut sweetness and to enhance flavor profile

EVOLUTION OF THE SMOOTHIE BUSINESS - Smoothies have been around for a long long time, just not in your neighborhood and not even in the USA very much. This South American/Latin/Tropical Island beverage is normally fresh squeezed juice combinations.

The USA version incorporates the use of ice. This helps give the drinks its unique appeal and also separates the smoothie from a fruit juice beverage.

The biggest factor to determine the success of the program is taste. These factors are outlined in the sections on water drinks, sugar drinks and quality drinks.