When it's hot out, staying hydrated is important. Unfortunately, it's all too easy to reach for a sugary beverage when you're looking for some summer refreshment. This summer, instead of grabbing a soda or juice, try making your own fruit-infused water using fresh fruits and berries from your local farmers market.
Quick Tips for Staying Hydrated
- Fill a water bottle and carry it with you during the day. For an icy treat, fill your water bottle halfway and put it in the freezer overnight, then fill the rest of the way in the morning. This will keep your water cold for a longer period.
- To stay hydrated, drink plenty of water each day, especially on days when you are physically active or outside in the hot weather.
- Make water even tastier by adding slices of your favorite fruits or vegetables.
Fruit-infused water is a healthy way to stay hydrated and limit your intake of high sugary beverages. They are simple to make: all you need is some sliced or chopped fruit and/or vegetables, fresh chopped herbs, and water or carbonated water. Add ice cubes just before serving. Infused water could be served immediately; however, for maximum flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
To prepare your fruit-infused water, wash the outside of citrus fruits and melons before cutting; wash other fruits, vegetables and herbs just before making your recipe. As with any recipe, keep food safety in mind, make sure to refrigerate any unused infused water within two hours. Use within one to two days.
We recommend you check out the fruit-infused recipes from our friends at Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables. They have recipes for different in-season fruits and vegetables, so you can enjoy fruit-infused water throughout the year.
Some other flavor combinations for fruit-infused water include:
- Peach Sage
- Pear Blackberry
- Raspberry Lime
- Strawberry Melon
- Watermelon Rosemary
Most of the time, fruits and vegetables used for infused water are tossed out. These fruits and vegetables would be a great addition to your compost pile. Our friends at the University of Maine have a great resource on home composting that includes articles and videos.
