Strawberry smoothie

Use frozen strawberries and blend them with a little milk or yoghurt, adding more liquid only as needed. A peeled banana or a spoonful of thick yoghurt also gives it a creamier texture.

Yes. Blend them straight from the freezer with your chosen milk or yoghurt; they chill and thicken the drink without needing ice, which can dilute the strawberry flavour.

It is best soon after blending, but you can keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir it well before drinking, as the fruit and liquid may separate.

Freeze it in a sealed container, leaving a little room for expansion, and use it within about 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge and blend or shake it again, as freezing can separate the mixture.

Banana, plain yoghurt and oats all pair well with strawberries; a little orange juice or vanilla can bring out their flavour. Blend oats thoroughly, or soak them first for a smoother drink.

Raspberries or mixed berries work well in the same way, fresh or frozen. For a less sharp flavour, try mango or ripe peach and add liquid gradually to get the consistency you want.

Not necessarily: a smoothie is usually blended fruit with milk, yoghurt or another liquid, while a milkshake is commonly made with ice cream and milk. Recipes vary, so the ingredients determine which it is.

Yes. Rinse them under cool running water just before use, then remove the green tops; washing them earlier can make them spoil faster. Discard any mouldy or badly bruised berries.