They're a cool kick of natural flavor. Smoothies ? blended fruit and vegetable drinks ? are refreshing concoctions that provide a nutritional boost as well.

(PRWEB) February 14, 2005 -- As you head into the sweltering days of summer, consider visiting a smoothie establishment, or simply experiment with some mixtures of your own. We visited some popular juice and smoothie bars around the state, and gleaned some recipes and tips to get you started on your own blender binge.

Juice Blasters
"Making smoothies is an art," says Juice Blasters owner Derick Thomas. "I [tell] everybody who comes in that I can make a better smoothie than [he or she] can make at home." He's had plenty of practice. While visiting California, Thomas learned about the health benefits of smoothies, and then went on a 60-day juice fast. That's when he decided that Toledo was ready for smoothies, and he opened Juice Blasters at a previous ice cream shop, November 2004.

To get just the right texture when making a smoothie at home, Thomas cautions against using too many watery fruits, such as strawberries. Strong-flavored fruits such as bananas and blueberries add flavor and texture. "A good smoothie should not pour like water, but a little slower like syrup," he says. If the ingredients are too cold, the drink becomes slushy. If they are warm, the smoothie will be too runny. Products that are too cold can create an air pocket in the blender so that nothing blends. If that happens, add less ice and more water. "Experiment to get it just right," says Thomas. At Juice Blasters, he serves all-natural smoothies with no preservatives and no added sugar. JuiceBlasters is located at 3333 Airport Hwy Toledo OH 43609/ www.juiceblasters.com