What are the Benefits of Infused Water and how to Make it?
When bugs are biting, the sun is beating down, or you have been feeling mildly toxic, refreshing drinks should be your go-to. Every flavoured water or mineral water television advertisement will try to convince you that their waters have zero sugar and the ‘choicest of minerals,’ and somehow they will make you feel miraculously healthy!
Every day the market for flavoured water and adding sugar-free components to water is ever growing. Don’t let the flashy advertisements fool you, store brought flavoured water will do nothing to help you. The occasional bottle of flavoured water never harmed anybody, but it is better to have an alternative to the store bought deal! What you must remember is that the human body does not require refined sugar, artificial sweeteners and food dyes.
Infused waters are enriched with herbs, fruits and vegetables for thirst-quenching flavour with added benefits! But you may ask, why should I make infused water when I could just purchase a store-bought alternative. Here are some reasons to convince you to swap your preferences!
- Better Flavour:
Subtle flavours in infused water enhance the water but don’t forcibly convert it to a mild juice. Unlike juice, the flavour of infused water is gentle, refreshing and soothing. There seems to be a reason that high end restaurants serve infused water during meals.
2. Less Sugar
Most packaged fruit juices contain excessive amounts of sugar and artificial sweetener. Even without added sugar, juice is a source of naturally occuring sugars and it is better to consume the fruit whole so that you get the fiber, which helps slow down sugar absorption.
3. Hydration
According to the laws of well, Biology infused waters are easier to consume. Fruit infused waters contain much of the flavour sans the excessive sugar. The more you like the taste of your fruit infused water the more inclined you will be to drink it. Taste is the spice of life anyway!
How to make fruit infused water 101?
Fruit infused waters are a snap to make. They are simple, quick and fun to make, the best part is experimenting with the alchemy of flavours and textures!
Here are a couple of quick tips to make the perfect pitcher of infused water:
- Use a good pitcher
Using a good, high quality glass pitcher (easily available in IKEA Hyderabad or any other crockery store) really adds to the flavour of infused water. They make it easier to serve and enjoy! Infused water in mason jars is perfectly tumblr-esque!
Glass pitcher with infusing lid: Pitchers with infusing lids are extremely convenient and simple. The body of the pitcher is glass with a stainless steel lid that keeps the fruit in the pitcher easier to pour. It stores easily on the fridge and keeps your infused water fresh throughout the day.
Glass mason jar: A cheaper option is a half gallon mason jar. Mason jars are easily available online and they can be used for anything from infused water to smoothie jars!
b)High quality fruits and herbs
Fruits and herbs are responsible for adding more flavour to water, however it is essential to ensure that you have organic herbs and fruits around that are pesticide free. Always choose what’s the best for your body, in this case high quality fresh organic produce. If you are unable to find conventional produce, peel off the skin or rind before the infusing process. If you can’t seem to find herbs anywhere, maybe try your hand at growing your own herb kitchen garden.
c) Give it time
The ideal time for infusing water to mature is 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator to let the flavours of the fruit really sink into the water.
Infused water recipes!
1. Cucumber Mint
Thinly slice one cucumber. Peel if it isn’t organic! Add the sliced cucumbers to a ½ gallon glass jar, add 8 muddled fresh mint leaves, and fill with filtered water. Stir gently and place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Citrus Blueberry
Slice two organic oranges into thin slices (leave the rind on for better flavor). Add sliced oranges and 1 cup of blueberries to a gallon size glass jar. Add filtered water to fill the jar and stir gently. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours and store in refrigerator.
3. Pineapple Mint
One of my favorites! Peel and thinly slice about 1/4 of a pineapple. The more thinly sliced the pineapple, the more flavor it will infuse. Add to a ½ gallon size glass jar with 10–12 leaves of muddled fresh mint. Add filtered water to fill and stir gently. Store in refrigerator.
4. Watermelon Basil
Add about 2 cups of finely chopped fresh watermelon (without rind) to a gallon-size glass jar. Add 15 leaves of muddled basil and filtered water to fill. Store in refrigerator and allow at least 4 hours to infuse.
5. Strawberry Lemon
Like strawberry lemonade, but better! Add 15 fresh strawberries, washed and finely sliced to a ½ gallon glass jar. Add one sliced lemon with rind on. Fill with water. Stir gently and refrigerate 4 hours to infuse.
5. Strawberry Lemon
Like strawberry lemonade, but better! Add 15 fresh strawberries, washed and finely sliced to a ½ gallon glass jar. Add one sliced lemon with rind on. Fill with water. Stir gently and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight in refrigerator and enjoy.
6. Cherry Lime
Reminiscent of cherry limeade, minus the sugar coma. Add two cups of fresh cherries, cut in half, and one fresh lime, sliced into thin slices, to a gallon-size glass jar. Add water to fill. Mix gently and store in refrigerator until ready to drink.
7. Grapefruit Raspberry
Another one of my favorites! Add one grapefruit, thinly sliced with rind on, to a gallon-size glass jar. Then add ½ cup slightly muddled fresh raspberries. Add water and mix well. Store in refrigerator for at least 4 hours before drinking.
8. Mango Pineapple
Peel and thinly slice one fresh mango. Add to ½ gallon glass jar. Add 1 cup of finely chopped pineapple and filtered water. Allow to infuse in the refrigerator for 4–6 hours before drinking.
9. Grape Orange
The hands-down kid favorite at our house. Place 2 cups of halved organic grapes into a gallon-size glass jar. Add one orange, thinly sliced with rind on. Refrigerate overnight for best flavor.
10. Pineapple Basil
My husband’s favorite. Add ¼ of a sliced fresh pineapple and 15 leaves of muddled fresh basil to a half-gallon jar. Add filtered water. Infuse overnight and enjoy.
