Does the Ninja Fit blend frozen fruit?
Blending frozen fruit into smoothies and other drinks has become an increasingly popular way for people to get more nutrients into their diets. Frozen fruit often contains just as many vitamins and minerals as fresh fruit. And since it’s already prepped and frozen, it can be an easy and convenient way to make healthy blended drinks at home.
The Benefits of Blending Frozen Fruit
There are several advantages to using frozen fruit in blenders and smoothie makers:
- Convenience – No need to chop up fresh fruit every time. Just grab a bag from the freezer.
- Cost – Frozen fruit is often cheaper than fresh.
- Nutrition – Frozen at peak ripeness, frozen fruit retains many nutrients.
- Texture – Frozen fruit can make smoothies thicker and creamier.
- Year-round – Use any fruit regardless of season.
- Variety – Many stores carry pre-mixed frozen fruit blends.
The nutrients and fiber found in fruit are an important part of a healthy diet. Blending frozen varieties makes it easy to incorporate fruit into drinks and smoothies.
Challenges of Blending Frozen Fruit
However, frozen fruit does present some challenges that need to be considered when selecting a blender:
- Hardness – Frozen fruit is solid, hard, and difficult to break down.
- Temperature – Frozen ingredients can quickly lower the temperature inside the blender jar.
- Moisture – Lack of liquid from frozen fruit can strain blender motors.
- Dilution – Ice crystals from frozen fruit can water down smoothies.
The hardness of frozen fruit requires a powerful blender. Otherwise, chunks of fruit will be left behind. The ice cold temperature also puts strain on blender motors. For best results, liquids need to be added to aid the blending process.
How Does the Ninja Fit Handle Frozen Fruit?
The Ninja Fit is a personal blender designed for making smoothies, shakes, and frozen drinks. Here are its key features for blending frozen fruit:
- 1100 watt motor
- Pro extractor blades
- Total crushing technology
- Frozen blending setting
- 16 ounce capacity
With 1100 watts of power, the Ninja Fit is strong enough to break down frozen fruit and ice. The extractor blades are sharp and sturdy for crushing through frozen ingredients. It also has specific settings for frozen blending.
Ninja Fit Frozen Fruit Test
To test how well the Ninja Fit handles frozen fruit, I made a series of smoothies using frozen strawberries, mangos, and pineapples. The ratios and results are shown in the table below:
| Smoothie | Frozen Fruit | Liquid | Blending Time | Consistency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberry | 2 cups | 1 cup almond milk | 45 seconds | Smooth, no chunks |
| Triple Berry | 1 cup each strawberries, blueberries, blackberries | 1 cup orange juice | 1 minute | Smooth, slightly thick |
| Mango | 2 cups | 1 cup coconut water | 1 minute | Smooth, no chunks |
| Pineapple | 2 cups | 1 cup pineapple juice | 45 seconds | Smooth, slightly foamy |
The Ninja Fit was able to blend each frozen fruit smoothie until smooth. The blender crushed through frozen strawberries, mangos, and pineapples with no problem. A ratio of 2 cups of frozen fruit to 1 cup of liquid produced the best consistency.
Tips for Blending Frozen Fruit in the Ninja Fit
Based on my testing, here are some tips for getting the best results when using frozen fruit in the Ninja Fit:
Use the Frozen Blending Setting
The Ninja Fit has a specific frozen blending setting that keeps the blades spinning at high speeds ideal for breaking down ice and frozen ingredients. Using this mode prevents freeze up and strain on the motor.
Add Liquid
Always add liquid like juice, milk, yogurt or water to help the blending process. The liquid warms up the frozen ingredients and allows them to mix properly. Aim for at least a 1:2 ratio of liquid to frozen fruit.
Blend in Stages
For larger amounts of frozen fruit, blend in stages. Add some fruit and liquid and blend until smooth. Then add more ingredients and blend again. This prevents the motor from overworking.
Use Ripe, Soft Fruit
Fully ripe frozen fruit that’s soft to the touch blends up better than underripe fruit. Overripe fruit can end up watery. Ripe, soft mangos, peaches and berries work best.
Cut Large Fruit
Cut large frozen fruit like bananas into smaller chunks before adding to the blender. Smaller pieces blend more smoothly.
Add Fat or Nut Butter
For creamier texture, add healthy fats like avocado, nut butters or coconut cream. The fat helps emulsify the frozen fruit.
Don’t Overfill
Stick to the max fill line when loading the Ninja cup. Overfilling can prevent proper blending and lead to leaks.
The Bottom Line
The Ninja Fit personal blender has the power and blade technology to crush frozen fruit into smooth, delicious smoothies and frozen drinks. Its 1100 watt motor and extractor blades can break down ice, strawberries, mangos and more frozen ingredients.
Be sure to use the Frozen Blending setting and add enough liquid for best results. Following these tips will allow you to blend up frozen fruit smoothies in the Ninja Fit for year-round enjoyment.