These are no ordinary ice cubes. Everyone's favorite best smoothie tip seems to be coconut water ice cubes! Coconut water cubes are the best ice cubes to use when making a healthy smoothie because...they not only add tons of electrolytes and nutrients, but they don't 'water down' the flavor like traditional ice cubes do.
Coconut Water Facts. Coconut water has 15 times more potassium than in traditional 'sports drinks'. And it is high in manganese and magnesium as well. It doesn't add a lot of calories since there are only 60 calories per 11 ounces of water. And coconut water is neutral enough in flavor to be able to blend with almost any smoothie flavor!
To make:
Simple pour coconut water into an ice cube tray and freeze! I like to fill a few plastic containers with coconut water cubes and stick them in the freezer - so I always have some on hand!
chris says
just tries it! LOVED it! thanks lady u rock! love your blog so helpful!!!
Adinda says
Donna - I was in PR about 2 years ago. My friend from Toa Baja took me to El Yunque and I had alcapurrias there, at a little food stand on the side of the road, and a whole coconut to drink from - they simply put a straw in it. Absolutely loved it! You're so lucky to live there.
Donna says
I live in Puerto Rico so I get to drink coconut water a few times a week. I buy them for $1 from a guy who cuts them down and then slices it open for you with his machete.
Christy says
I love this tip - great idea! I'm definitely going to try it out once I get my hands on some coco water. I'm psyched that we're entering smoothie season.
Kathy says
Sheryl,
Haha. I like the pun. I think I got it at a random drug store right after moving into the first NYC apartment-I was dying to make pomegranate ice cubes for summer sangria. I remember consulting with my husband whether or not I should get the regular tray or the crazy blue tray that was a bit un-traditional. I think we chose wisely. You DO need old school ice cube trays if you want to make yummy CW ice cubes.
Thanks for the comment!
Kathy
Sheryl says
What I want to know is, where did you get that very cool (pardon the pun) ice cube tray?
fruitnut says
That is an excellent idea! Perfect for a Coco Mojito.
Alicia (Vegan Guinea Pig) says
I've been doing this for years! I absolutely love coconut water ice cubes in my smoothies. I even like to use a couple coconut water ice cubes in cold coconut water - that way the coconut water doesn't get diluted and stays at a perfect chilled temperature.
Kathy says
Anonymous,
Coconut water has FIVE essential electrolytes, not just two as you stated.
They are:
K=potassium
Na=sodium
Mg=magnesium
Ca=Calcium
P=phosphorous
And yes coconut water, 11 oz. does have more potassium than a banana.
CoCo H2O: 19% RDA of potassium in a 60 calorie serving. That is incredibly impressive.
Drink comparison: And to compare a similar type beverage-sports drinks-coco water has 15 times more potassium that Gatorade.
But if you really want to compare coco h20 to a banana...
A banana has around 100 calories per serving, CW has 60. And,
To Compare a 1 oz. serving of each:
banana:25 calories,100 mg potassium
CoCo H2O:5 calories,70 mg potassium
Both bananas and CW are healthy foods. I adore them both.
Kathy
Anonymous says
The average banana has about the same amount of potassium as coconut water.
Electrolytes here are just sodium and magnesium. Tons?
Kathy says
Katrina,
Real Coconuts are the best, but you can easily find some O.N.E. Vita CoCo or Zico brands of packaged coconut water in health food stores. You can even buy them online at Amazon.com or other websites!
...good luck!
Kathy
katrina says
What a great idea! Now, if I could just find coconuts around here in rural NH!
DORY says
I like to use fruit juice ice cubes too. Apple is pretty neutral and sweet.
Mary says
Thanks! I just cut open a coconut the other day and was wondering what to do with that faintly flavored coconut water. I'll make ice cubes--perfect!
Tasha says
I love this tip. Trying it next smoothie day.