One of the healthiest and most delicious drinks in the world has to be the smoothie. Not only is this blended beverage good for you and extremely easy to make, but it will also last you a decent amount of time when stored correctly.
There are so many options when it comes to mixing the perfect smoothie. However, our methods of storing smoothies will work no matter what ingredients you decide to use. From raw eggs to fresh fruit and vegetables, we have you covered.
In this article, we will be discussing how you can go about keeping your smoothie fresh and tasty for future consumption. We will also mention how long this delicious beverage lasts.
Storing a Smoothie
As we have already mentioned, the smoothie has to be up there with the most delicious drinks in the world. Blending different foods and ingredients to get one convenient drink seems like such a great idea. However, what do we do when we make too much? Storing a smoothie definitely isn’t as simple as storing the fruits and ingredients that go into it.
However, that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. In fact, you can actually store a smoothie for up to 3 months if done correctly. With that being said, you should avoid ingesting a smoothie that is kept unrefrigerated for longer than 24 hours.
How Long Do Smoothies Last?
The length of time that a smoothie will last depends on the method that you use to store it. As we have already discussed, a smoothie that is kept unrefrigerated will begin to lose its freshness within just a few hours. While it may still be okay to drink, it definitely won’t taste as good as a freshly made smoothie.
On the other hand, if you store your smoothie in an airtight container in the fridge, it should be okay for up to 4 days. Again, it is likely that the beverage will begin to lose some flavor and freshness after a day or two, but it will still be okay to ingest.
Finally, the most effective way to store your smoothie would be to keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. If you do this, it should last you for up to 3 months. Plus, weeks after being blended, it will still taste as though it has just been made.
How to Properly Store Smoothies in the Fridge
Find an Airtight Container
The first thing that you will need to do when storing your smoothie in the fridge is to find yourself an airtight container. Make sure that the lid fits properly onto the bottom and that there are no holes or gaps for air to get in.
Add Lemon Juice to Your Smoothie
A very good way that you can make your smoothie last a bit longer is by adding lemon juice to the mixture. The vitamin C found in the juice will help prevent oxidation – this is the process that is responsible for the smoothie going bad. In fact, oxidation degrades the nutrients found in your drink, making it less fresh and less nutritious.
Fill the Container to the Very Top
Once you have your container ready, it is very important that you fill your smoothie to the top. This is done to ensure that there is no oxygen left in the container, as that would lead to the smoothie oxidizing.
Make Sure to Seal the Container as Tightly as Possible and Store it in the Refrigerator
Finally, once you are satisfied that you cannot fill the container anymore, seal it as tightly as you can. You can then place it in the refrigerator. We already know that smoothies can last for up to 4 days when stored in the fridge – for this reason, it is not recommended that you leave the container in the refrigerator for longer than this time period.
How to Store Smoothies in the Freezer
Invest in a Freezer-Safe Container
When it comes to storing your smoothie in the freezer, you will need to invest in a freezer-safe container. It is important to note that you are likely to have a few options at home. For example, an ice cube tray, Ziploc bag, or popsicle tray can all be used to store the drink. However, you could also purchase a few mason jars if you would like something a little more conventional.
Fill the Container and Place it in the Freezer
Once your container is ready, make sure that you fill it as much as possible. You can then place the left-over drink in the freezer. As we mentioned, smoothies can last for up to 3 months when stored in the freezer, meaning that you should not leave the container in the freezer for longer than this time period.
When Drinking, Allow the Smoothie to Thaw for at Least 8 Hours
When your next craving hits, you will need to wait for the smoothie to turn into a liquid form again before it can be drunk. In general, it normally takes about 8 hours for the frozen drink to thaw. If you want to keep it as tasty as possible, do not put the frozen smoothie in the sun or microwave, as this will ruin the flavor and freshness.
Final Roundup
There are various ways that you can go about storing a left-over smoothie. If you leave the drink unrefrigerated, it will lose its freshness within just a few hours. When stored in the fridge, the smoothie can last up to 4 days. Also, it will be safe to drink for up to 3 months when stored in the freezer.
When storing the smoothie in the fridge, you should use an airtight container. Make sure that it is filled to the brim, as this will minimize oxidation. You should also add lemon juice to the mixture. An airtight, freezer-safe container will also be needed when storing the smoothie in the freezer. However, you will need to let the drink thaw for 8 hours before drinking after it has been frozen.