Fruit Smoothies: A Healthy Way to Beat the Heat

Summer weather is under way. During this season, all I ever want is to cool down with something sweet and refreshing.

If you’re a fruit lover, than smoothies are the tastiest and healthiest treat around, and there is nothing like some blended fruit to ward off heat exhaustion. 

Luckily for us, smoothies are populating menus all over Bed-Stuy, so when the craving hits, you know you won’t have to go far. 

Here are some of my favorite smoothies in the neighborhood that come in all flavors, sizes and prices. One thing for sure, consuming one of these is just the push you need to get you through your day.

5. Green Gourmet Market - 354 Lewis Avenue

This market, which sells a ton of fresh produce, has a great option for smoothies. For only $4, you can choose two fruits from the store, and bring it to them to make a smoothie. I chose a mango and some strawberries, which turned out to be a delicious  combination. The fruit is perfectly fresh, and there is no added sweetener (the natural sweetness of the fruit is enough) so you can indulge without any guilt. 

4. Melanie’s - 1285 Fulton Street

Melanie's is known for its smoothies, and I've tried a few different kinds there. I highly recommend the Tropical Canada, the most popular smoothie at the restaurant. Made with mango, pineapple, orange, and soymilk, this smoothie is refreshing and sweet. The soymilk, a healthy alternative to milk, actually enhances the flavor of the smoothie, giving it a smooth, natural sweetness. A small smoothie is $5.17.

3. Liquid Oz - 302 Malcolm X Boulevard

The All Berry Smoothie at Liquid Oz, a newly opened cafe on Malcolm X Boulevard, is truly made with every kind of berry. You can distinctly make out the flavors of the blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries in this thick, seedy and delicious drink. I don't know what the secret ingredient is, but something makes the smoothie creamy, without the added flavor of milk. This huge and filling drink (seems like a pound of berries) is a must-have for $4.75

2. Bushbaby - 1197 Fulton Street

For a more unique refreshment, you have to try Bushbaby's wine smoothie. Employees won't give away the secret ingredients, but as owner Milton Jemlott (also known as Te) said, "It's made with wine, fruit, and love." The smoothie tastes like a thick sangria. Pureed fruit and red wine seems like an obvious combination once you taste how good it is, and during happy hour it's only $6 ($9 during regular hours).

1. Tigerlily - 299 Greene Avenue

Tigerlily makes a mango chili smoothie that will change your life. The smoothie has coconut milk in it for creaminess, which compliments the tangy and sweet flavor of the mango. The chili comes as an aftertaste of spice, and goes shockingly well with the other flavors. For $4.50, this is my number one choice for the best smoothie in Bed-Stuy!