What I Know, Read More, Ask Someone, Go There

After deciding to focus my unit 2 bundle on Green Smoothies, I began the process of brainstorming my idea of a Smoothie Cafe. Sure, there are plenty of coffee shops, sandwich delis, and etcetera on Aquidneck Island, however, I decided a hole-in-the-wall, quality Smoothie Cafe could be a successful place of business, in Portsmouth. I decided I had to figure out a location where I felt the shop would do best. Portsmouth currently features a green-grocer type of store, as well as some small cafes, vitamin/supplement shop, and small similar boutiques. In my opinion, the town seems to be quite health-conscious, with two gyms, Clement's Marketplace (which features a large selection of organics and health-conscious foods), and the other listed shops above. Though a smoothie shop is a bit of a business-risk, I do have confidence that the benefits of the shop would make it a success in the town's environment.


I grew up in a very health-conscious household. Organics and healthy eating have always been a part of my family's lifestyle. My mom has always been a runner, I was always involved in dance and horseback riding, & being active, as well as my younger sister. My dad has always been a great cook, and my mom has always focused on the benefits of incorporating healthy shakes, fresh foods, organics, cage-free white meats (cage free means the animal ran free on a farm, instead of being raised in a factory mass-produced cage). A few times a week my mom makes everyone in my house carrot juice. Doesn't sound or look pleasant, however, the combination of fruits and vegetables make the juice extremely delicious. Considering my mom's excellent literacy in the kitchen, I spoke to her to further my knowledge regarding the types of fruits and vegetables to include in my healthy-smoothie endeavor. We narrowed down the extensive list of options to some of the best nutrient-rich and tasty options. We visited the local market, Clements, to pick out the freshest and most ripe produce options. I also picked up a can or two of peaches and pears (for times sake). She oversaw the smoothie-making process.

I did some research on the qualities and benefits that natural foods possess. Though I had prior knowledge to these benefits, I was surprised to discover the extent of these nutrients. Many of the fruits and vegetables that are available for purchase at grocery stores have many healthy attributes to human health. I researched some smoothie recipes, some of which I hadn't thought of throwing together to make yet, and was surprised of some of the seemingly odd combinations. I visited Clements Marketplace and purchased a variety of both organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables (because Organic is often quite expensive, purchase when possible, it's not 100% necessary to receive the benefits of consuming produce). I purchased fresh Kale, Pineapple, Banana, Ginger, Strawberries, Blueberries, Cherries, and Peaches. Canned fruits are okay in a pinch as well. Because most of them come canned in syrups and juices, choose the "lite syrup" alternative or ones soaked in their own fruit juice. They can be rinsed pre-smoothie. I will be documenting my smoothie-making process and creating a recipe for this bundle which I will photograph and provide the recipe.