Smoothies on the Go

• You can freeze and store smoothies -- if you have the space in your freezer. To freeze smoothies, whip up your favorite variety and pour the smoothies into quart-size plastic freezer bags. Spread the bags out flat on a cookie sheet and pop them in the freezer. Once the bags are fully frozen, they can be stacked, which takes up much less room in the freezer than if you stored individual cups or rigid containers. Place a bag in the refrigerator overnight to defrost. In the morning, squish the contents of the bag to mix and pour the smoothie into a glass. For a super-fast, portable approach, leave the smoothie in the bag. Pop open one edge of the bag, insert a straw, and you're ready to go. This method works great for on the go snacks, especially for kids. For a creamier texture, toss the smoothie into a blender for a few minutes.

Smoothie in a Jiffy

• Another option for fast, convenient smoothies is to make smoothie starters. These are especially useful if you have limited freezer space. Puree fruit, vegetables, yogurt and any other creamy ingredients in a blender, but don't add liquid. Pour the smoothie into muffin tins, paper cups or ice cube trays, and freeze until solid, to create smoothie starters. Pop the frozen smoothie starters out of their forms and put them in a large plastic freezer bag. Place metal muffin tins in a sink filled with hot water to soften the smoothie mixture so they pop out. Keep the smoothie starters in the freezer. To make a smoothie, just grab a few of these starters and blend them with juice, milk or another liquid.

Smart Choices

• When making smoothies to freeze, be sure the ingredients you use freeze well. Some flavorings, such as almond extract or imitation vanilla extract, become bitter when frozen. Greens, such as kale and spinach, as well as cucumbers and melons, tend to become somewhat watery when frozen. When you thaw smoothies made with these ingredients, the smoothies may have separated slightly. A quick whir in the blender solves this problem, though.

Putting It All Together

• For delicious, fresh tasting smoothies, use only the best frozen or fresh fruit. The freezer doesn't improve flavor or quality. Start with a favorite fruit or combination of fruits and vegetables, such as berries, peaches, melon, mango, pineapple or greens. Don't forget a creamy ingredient. Try yogurt, soft tofu, peanut butter or avocado. Finally, add a liquid, such as fruit juice, milk, coconut water or coconut milk. Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness or other flavorings, if necessary.