Acai (ah-sigh-ee) is the berry from an Amazon palm tree harvested in the rainforests of Brazil which tastes like a vibrant blend of berries and chocolate and is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids.
For the best taste and color, use a red-fleshed Hawaiian papaya for this exotic, lip-puckering taste of island summer. Papayas are loaded with papain, a digestive enzyme, so this smoothie is a good dessert to settle stomachs after a substantial meal.
A lassi is an Indian smoothie made with yogurt, sometimes offered as an aperitif or as a "side" to calm down a fiery meal. Thanks to a ripe mango and orange-flower water, this version is sweet and fragrant. It's perfect for an afternoon refresher or an after-dinner treat.
This refreshing blend of pear, grapes, banana, and cranberry juices gets a slightly sweet flavor from the honey. Try this drink for breakfast or enjoy it as a snack.
Spiked with ginger, this smoothie is guaranteed to perk you up after a long bike ride or make a nice starter to a summer meal on the deck. For a more aromatic variation, use a cantaloupe instead of a honeydew melon.
For kids or anyone who deserves a fruit snack or dessert, these diabetic-friendly smoothies are versatile. When in season, substitute red or blue berries for the pitted fruits for taste and color changes sure to appeal to any age.
