How to Make Infused Water
Hydration is absolutely necessary for optimal health. However, sometimes it gets boring drinking plain water all day every day. Sodas, teas and other tasty options, even those labelled healthy, are often full of junk. So, what to do? Make infused water.
Infusing water with fruit, herbs and other botanicals is simple and adds flavour + nutrients to your water without the downside of excess sugar, calories, artificial colors and flavourings and preservatives. It even looks beautiful too. It's easy to stay well hydrated when your water looks refreshing and tastes delicious.
Infused Water Tips:
Always use fresh ingredients. Choose organic herbs and produce to infuse. Wash ingredients before use.
Use a good quality filtered water.
Use cold or room temperature water. Hot water breaks down your fruits + botanicals and may compromise some of the nutrients you are trying to extract.
Use glass containers. Plastic often contains chemicals that can leach into your water. There are some really cool glass bottles out there these days.
Slice your fruits, for harder fruits like apples slice very thin.
Crush fibrous roots like ginger, turmeric and rosemary.
Tear apart herbs and leaves to release valuable oils. Use caution with herbs, it is very easy to add too much of a good thing resulting in an overly strong a flavour.
Pay attention to your timing. Some of the denser ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, apple and rosemary may need to soak overnight. Melons and berries can look sorta slimy and only need to soak a short period of time. Unpeeled citrus fruits will become bitter after a few hours.
Lemon and lime are natural preservatives that may keep your water fresh longer.
How to Make Infused Water:
Prep and place chosen ingredients into your container.
Fill container with a good quality water, cold or room temp.
Soak botanicals for at least 2 hours for the most potent flavour and color. Allow water to infuse at room temperature up to 2 hours. Afterwards place into the fridge to discourage bacterial growth. If you do not drink your water after 24 hours strain solids and store for a couple days. Discard water if not used within 3 days.
You can replenish your water throughout the day. Just add new water into your container when the original water reaches the halfway mark.
Favourite Flavour Combos:
strawberry + basil
cucumber + mint
blueberry + thyme
grapefruit + rosemary
orange + hibiscus
watermelon + ginger
cucumber + lime
jalapeno + pineapple
apple + ginger + cinnamon
lemon + raspberry
pear + fennel
blueberry + lavender = calm
pineapple + coconut
lemongrass + thyme
cardamom + rose
You can even try infused water with sparkling water, like Topo Chico, too.
Have you tried infused water? If so, what are your favourite flavour combos?
