Dalstrong Series Infinity Series Wood- Fibre Cutting Board - Large - Obsidian Black
You’re looking for a mango smoothie. Instead, we’ll not only give you an easy mango smoothie recipe, but also a strawberry banana smoothie, all in one! Here’s the detailed guide for the best smoothie taste.
1. What Makes A Great Mango Smoothie?
I think we all know (or imagine) how delicious and comforting a mango smoothie can be. Mango is a well-known favorite fruit by many especially for making a delicious smoothie. Ideal for those looking for a quick breakfast and those looking for easy dessert recipes. The real question should be: What makes a smoothie so great?
The recipe we’ll share below is made of strawberry, banana and mango. Here are seven reasons why it’s so great:
- Simply delicious, the fruit combination is sweet and refreshing.
- It’s packed with antioxidants.
- It’s easy to make. This is a two-step recipe with fool-proof results.
- Great source of vitamin C.
- Easy to customize to your taste, so you can change fruits or ingredients every time and have a new experience.
- The greek yogurt in this recipe will also bring protein.
- Considerably cheaper than buying a smoothie at a shop.
Chef's Knife 7" Shogun Series ELITE | Dalstrong
2. How To Pick The Best Mangoes?
The first image to come to your head is probably a ripe, sweet and flavorful fresh mango. Like with most fruits, you can appeal to your senses and check details like appearance, color, aroma and consistency.
- In some types of mangoes, the red or golden yellow color shows ripeness.
- Mangoes are one of those fruits that soften as they ripen, so ripe mangoes will yield slightly when squeezed.
- The ultimate test is the smell test. The mango should be fragrant. Press with your hand at the stem end, where its characteristic fruity aroma should come from.
If, after putting the mango to the test, you determine that it is not yet ready, there is always the option of buying it and letting it ripen at home for a few days. Some say that wrapping it in a brown paper bag will accelerate the process.
Fresh mango vs. frozen mango
Choosing fresh or frozen mangoes for your smoothie always comes down to personal preferences. I personally prefer frozen mangoes and even when I buy fresh, I freeze them for a day or two before blending my smoothie. Here are my reasons:
- They are 100% ready, even peeled and dice, so it saves time when making a smoothie.
- Having frozen mango chunks whenever you want is much more convenient.
- Frozen fruits help to keep the creaminess and temperature.
- A good mango will give you the taste, sweetness and a creamy texture whether it’s frozen or fresh. It is often thought that it will lose its properties when frozen, but that is not the case.
- Frozen mangoes are easier to preserve and can last a long time if properly stored. That also means less food waste.
- Versatility! They can be used in many recipes as well as desserts like smoothies, ice cream or cereal bowls. Or my favorite: Mango margaritas!
3. Tools You’ll Need
1. Chef Knife - 8" Olive Wood Handle | Gladiator Series
For those who love homemade fruit smoothies, be it a mango smoothie or a banana smoothie, a chef’s knife is the ideal tool for many reasons because you will dominate all kinds of fruits and vegetables in an agile and easy way; among many other ingredients and recipes.
PROS:
- Perfect for chopping, slicing, dicing and everything in between.
- Premium quality, high-carbon German steel for ultra-sharpness and excellent wear resistance.
- The blade is wide enough to serve as a spatula to pick up the food and transfer it from the cutting board to the blender (or to the pot or pan).
- The handle is made of olive wood with beautiful grain and hardness, naturally resistant to stains and odors.
- Good price for this type of quality.
CONS:
- Some may be looking for a more striking or modern design.
- Some intricate cuts may require a more specific blade and not the “generic” versatility of the chef’s knife.
2. Santoku Knife 7" | Shogun Series ELITE
A chef's knife in its Japanese version, made to win any culinary battle. This beautiful Santoku from the Shogun Elite Series has been designed for maximum control and efficiency.
PROS:
- It combines the qualities of a chef's knife with a nakiri vegetable blade, so chopping mango or other fruits to make your smoothie will be a walk in the park.
- 67 layers of high-carbon stainless steel for exceptional blade strength and durability.
- The blade geometry promotes perfect pressure cutting.
- The indentations along the blade create mini non-stick air pockets that minimize friction.
CONS:
- Those looking for a classic chef knife may not be convinced by this shorter, slightly different blade.
- The price may not fit the budget you have set aside for a smoothie.
3. Paring Knife 4" | Phantom Series
Slicing mangoes, berries, bananas or avocados to make a smoothie is practical and easy with this maneuverable 4" knife from Dalstrong's Phantom series. Core, chop, peel and slice fruits and vegetables, quickly and effortlessly.
PROS:
- Forged from the high quality Japanese steel.
- High resistance to rust and stains.
- D-shaped handle that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand and allows for greater dexterity when chopping mangoes and other fruits.
- Slightly longer than most paring knives, giving you additional cutting surface.
- Maximum value for money.
CONS:
- Perfect for more precise tasks, but you may be looking for the universal versatility of a chef’s knife.
- Maneuvering this super sharp blade requires some degree of knife skills.
4. Utility Knife 6" | Quantum 1 Series
A multi-purpose knife like this one is perfect for peeling, coring and chopping fruits and vegetables, as well as satisfying the most demanding cutting and slicing tasks on a myriad of foods.
PROS:
- Almost everything can be accomplished with this magnificent hybrid (chef's knife and paring knife).
- Designed with futuristic styling and advanced technology.
- Forged from a single piece of high-carbon steel.
- Unique "Nova Prime" blade pattern exclusive to the Phantom series that reduces friction and increases cutting efficiency.
- Affordable price and high quality.
CONS:
- The aesthetic, minimal design is anything but ordinary. However, some cooks will be looking for a more traditional addition to their kitchen.
- Some cutting tasks may require a larger blade.
5. Teak Cutting Board | Medium Size
A cutting board is an indispensable tool to work food in an organized, comfortable, safe and tidy way. Any recipe, even preparing a strawberry mango smoothie, requires a good cutting board like this one, which, incidentally, will adapt to any decor with its beautiful checkered construction.
PROS:
- Its medium size is ideal for working those simple everyday preparations without taking up a lot of space.
- The juice groove makes it convenient for working with fruits.
- The non-slip feet provide stability.
- The compact and dense teak wood grain ensures a hygienic and super durable cutting surface.
- Friendly to the cutting edge of your knives!
CONS:
- You may be willing to sacrifice quality for a less expensive board.
- Teak boards require a bit of love and attention from you (for example, treatment with special oils to prevent warping or cracking).
4. Mango Smoothie Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
- MANGO. 1 cup chopped and peeled.
- STRAWBERRY. 1 cup. Frozen or fresh.
- BANANA. One, frozen or fresh.
- NONDAIRY YOGURT. ¼ cup. I prefer greek yogurt, but some love vanilla.
- FRUIT JUICE OF YOUR CHOICE. 3-4 tsp. Pineapple, orange, and apple are all great choices.
NOTES:
- These fruits are very sweet on their own. There is definitely no need to add sugar or another sweetener.
- If you use frozen bananas, the smoothie will be thicker, and if you use fresh bananas, it will be lighter.
- You can substitute yogurt for a nondairy milk or vegan option like oat milk, coconut milk, or almond milk.
- You can add chia seeds if you want to make this fruit smoothie even healthier and more nutritious.
- It’s better to get a smoothie that’s too thick and then soften it; than the other way around. So start with less liquid and add more on the way if necessary.
- Drink it right away! Otherwise, the frozen or ice fruits will melt and the ingredients will separate. It won’t be that nice.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Mix everything in a blender until smooth.
- Add extra juice if it’s too thick or add extra yogurt if it’s too soft.
- Mix again.
- Serve immediately.
5. How To Thicken A Mango Smoothie?
The degree of thickness in a strawberry mango smoothie is a completely personal choice. You may like it a bit water-like, light and airy. You may want the milkshake experience. You may be looking all the way to a smoothie bowl.
If what you want is more creaminess, here’s what you can do:
Use frozen fruits
Yet another reason to use frozen mango for this smoothie (or other frozen fruits like bananas, strawberries, pineapple…)
Easy on the liquid
Whether it’s juice, almond milk, coconut water or just water, it is advisable to add only a bit at a time until you get the desired consistency. In this recipe, with the greek yogurt, the juice and the “ice” from the frozen fruits, you shouldn’t need a lot more.
Ice instead of water
If you want to use ripe fruits instead of frozen, then we recommend you add ice instead of liquid. Creamy and refreshing!
Yogurt
It will certainly help to thicken it with a nice texture and enrich it with a great nutritional contribution.
Use an extra thickener
Adding a little oatmeal or a tablespoon of chia seeds can increase the consistency of a mango smoothie in just a few minutes; plus they bring protein and fiber. Some people like vanilla protein powder in their smoothies.
Be patient!
Yes, preparing a smoothie is easy and fast, but if you follow our tips and stay observant. Add the ingredients slowly and stop the process if necessary to stir and verify the texture.
6. Storage Tips For A Smoothie
- Before I give you any storage tips, I will recommend that you prepare your smoothie when you want it and try to drink it right away.
- Smoothies with milk or ice cream can last for up to 3 days in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
- If the smoothie is prepared only with ice or frozen fruit, it may last between 4 and 7 days.
- You can freeze fruit smoothies for 8 to 12 months. But if any dairy products are added, the storage time is reduced to 3 months. Separate portions before putting them in the freezer.
- Add a little lemon juice to lower the pH of the fruit and reduce oxidation. It will also add a nice touch of flavor to your smoothie.
