* The night before making this recipe I slice the peel off the orange but leave the white pith (fiber and nutrients are found here). I then halve the orange and slice each half into 6 even chunks. There should be about 12 chunks total. To freeze the orange chunks, place them on a flat surface lined with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking. Allow space between each orange chunk so that they are not touching. Otherwise, they will freeze together and your blender will not be able to handle such large frozen chunks. Be sure the flat surface you select can fit in your freezer. I freeze overnight but you can try freezing a couple hours or until orange segments are fully hardened. See image below for how to freeze the orange.

If you do not have vanilla flavored non-dairy milk you can simply add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract to the smoothie before blending.  

For an extra frosty smoothie add one cup of ice after the first blend.

For a thicker/creamier smoothie add 1/4 cup raw slivered blanched almonds (not sliced almonds).  This also adds plant-based protein and healthy fats to the smoothie.

For a nutrition boost add 1 tablespoon chia seeds and/or 1 tablespoon hemp seeds.

For extra orange flavor add orange zest from one orange, a drop of orange extract or 1/4 cup orange juice.  You can also add a second orange if desired.