I all to often hear of individuals drinking “natural” waters, infused with “fruit” and “vitamins” , or even flavor droppers. Have you ever read the nutrition labels or ingredient lists on any of these so called natural waters?
Most of them include a variety of preservatives, artificial sweeteners, added vitamins/minerals, artificial colorings (Red 40, Blue 1), sodium, sucralose, sucrose, dextrose, high fructose corn syrup, and refined sugar (gasp!). Leave the vitamin waters, sports drinks, and other “fruit” and “natural” flavoured “vitamin” waters on the grocery store shelves…it’s time to make our own!
Here is an easy formula for making your own quick, healthy fruit and herb infused waters in endless varieties. They look pretty with nothing artificial just the goodness of real foods, herbs, and spices.
Infused Water Ingredients:
Fruit ;
Citrus | grapefruit, lemon, lime, blood orange, orange, tangerines, sour lemon, portugal.
Berries | West Indian cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries.
Tropical | pomegranate, mango, pineapple, kiwi, starfruit, guavas, passion fruit, tamarind, mango. (no bananas)
Melons | honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon.
Other | apples, grapes, plums, peaches, nectarines.
Vegetables;
Veggies | cucumber, carrots, christophene, garlic, pumpkin, squash, tomato, sweet pepper,
Garden Herbs;
Herbs | mint, sage, rosemary, basil, cilantro, thyme, stevia, lavender, lemongrass (fevergrass),
Spices;
Spices | ginger, cinnamon stick (ground cinnamon will float), black pepper, anise.
Water
Water | coconut water, healthy, un-contaminated water.
Always experiment and have fun while blending choice of additives. Choose ingredients you enjoy and try new things you haven’t tried before.
Method;
First, simply add the fruit//vegetables in the glass first, use a wooden spoon to slightly mash and breakdown the fruit//vegetables. I love using a meat tenderizer, does the job just right for me.
Tip: peel the citrus fruits from their skin to avoid a bitter taste.
Next, simply take the herb//spice of choice and gently bruise the leaf (i.e. gently mashing), this helps release the natural extracts and oils from the herb//spice.
Lastly, add water and drink!
Storage;
These can be stored in air tight glasses, a glass pitcher, water bottle, gallon jug, etc. Whatever works for you. Best kept in the refrigerator for up to a week or until the flavor is no longer present.
Nutrition;
Since you’re not consuming the questionable ingredients above in most commercially bought vitamin waters, you’re receiving natural occurring vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Note, this is an INFUSION, not a juice. Therefore, with these Infused Waters the amount of sugar and calories is negligible; it’s called an infusion for a reason. You’re simply infusing the water with flavors and all natural nutrients from the fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Here are some of our fave water combo ideas;
Citrus Flavored Water.
1. Slice 1 orange, 1 lime, 1 lemon into rounds, then cut the rounds in half.
2. Add to jar, press and twist with the handle of a wooden spoon. Press enough to release some of the juices, but don't pulverize the fruit into pieces.
3. Fill the jar with ice, then add water to the top. Stir, cover, and refrigerate.
Guava & Lime Flavored Water.
1. Quarter 2 limes and squeeze the juice into the jar.
2. Throw in the squeezed lime quarters.
3. Add guava slices.
4. Press and twist with the handle of a wooden spoon to release some of the juices (don't pulverize the fruit).
5. Fill the jar with ice, then add water to the top. Stir, cover, and refrigerate.
Watermelon Mint Flavored Water
1. Add a sprig of mint to the jar
2. Crush the mint with your wooden spoon so you bruise the leaves and release their flavor (don't pulverize them into bits)
3. Add watermelon pieces, press and twist with the wooden spoon to release juices.
4. Fill the jar with ice, then add water to the top. Stir, cover, and refrigerate.
Watermelon Rosemary Flavored Water (this is one of my fave vitamin filled water)
1. Add a sprig of rosemary to jar crush gently
2. Add watermelon cubes; twist and press gently to release juices.
3. Fill the jar with ice, then add water to the top. Stir, cover, and refrigerate.
Sweeten it up if you have a sweet tooth with honey or organic agave syrup. Enjoy.
Namaste
Leigh Lopez
The Belle Team ❤
Author: Leigh Lopez
Cosmetic Chemist. SkinCare Expert. Facialist. Beauty Editor. Published Writer.
Perfumer. Leigh Lopez is a leading facialist, she has a wide clientèle that seeks
her beauty advice. Focusing on results and technology combined with her vast
knowledge in skincare treatments, Phytotherapy and cosmetic formulation
ensures Leigh is constantly in demand. She offers regular workshops on
Ayurvedic nutrition, Raw Foods and Juice & Smoothie Workshops.
