Lemon balm has calming and soothing properties that can reduce stress and anxiety. This refreshing summer drink may help you chill out and unwind. Nothing beats an iced cold lemonade after a busy day working in the garden but this homemade version with fresh ingredients is a winner!
Lemon Balm Lemonade
Yield: 4-6 glasses
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Refreshing and soothing this botanical lemonade is the perfect summer drink to enjoy in the garden.
Ingredients
1 cup Lemon Balm Leaves
1 fresh lime
1 fresh lemon
3 TBSP Raw local Honey
2 cups sparkling water
1 cup water
Instructions
Roughly chop up the lemon balm leaves.
Bring 1 cup of water to a simmer in a pot. Remove from heat and add lemon balm. Place a lid on and let it infuse for at least 30 minutes.
Using a blunt object such as the end of a rolling pin, crush the leaves and flowers into the water to extract more.
Using a sieve, strain the liquid into a jug, and squeeze out any extra liquid from the leaves..
Add in honey and stir until the honey has dissolved. Use less or more honey depending on how sweet you like it.
Squeeze the juice of the lime and lemon and add to the jug. Stir to combine.
Add in sparking water and serve in glasses over ice.
To serve add extra lemon balm leaves and dehydrated lemon or lime.
Notes
Add in other herbs to create your own unique blends. Try Calendula, Mint, Lemon verbena, and Lavender.
Watermelon jerky or dehydrated watermelon is a great way to use and preserve your leftover or excess watermelon. Some watermelon can grow to over 25kg! That’s a whole lot of watermelon to eat before it goes to waste. This recipe makes a delicious, chewy, sweet treat and helps stop any precious watermelon from going to waste.
Marinated in fresh mint and lime juice, this watermelon jerky is packed full of delicious summer flavours!
Watermelon, like its name suggests, has high water content. By dehydrating and removing that water content, you are left with a high concentration of natural sugars. This Mojito watermelon jerky recipe helps balance some of that sweetness and adds a delicious and refreshing flavour. When making this recipe you can do some with the marinate and some plain to work out which you prefer.
Mojito Watermelon Jerky
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 1 minute
Naturally, sweet watermelon treats 🍉
Ingredients
1/2 Watermelon
1 Lime
1/2 cup fresh Mint
Instructions
Rinse and finely slice the mint.
Add the juice and zest of one Lime to a bowl and mix through the mint.
Remove the rind and any seeds from the watermelon and slice it into strips roughly 1cm thick. If the strips are too thin they will break apart and be hard to remove from the tray. Too thick and it will take a loooooong time to dehydrate, so I have found around 1cm is a happy medium.
Lay your watermelon strips in a large shallow dish and pour over the lime and mint marinate. Gently turn over to coat. I like to do a mix of some marinated and some plain. Cover your dish and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavours to combine.
Place your watermelon onto your dehydrator trays, ensuring you have a drip tray at the bottom to catch excess juices. I have found it is best to use fruit leather trays or parchment paper otherwise the jerky gets stuck to the metal grids. Dehydrate at 60 degrees Celsius until dry (This will take anywhere from 18-24 hours). To speed up the process, turn your watermelon strips over a few times during the process.
They should not be sticky to touch. The thicker parts that aren't quite dry will be a darker red colour. You may need to remove the dried watermelon and let the thicker slices dehydrate a bit longer. This will take anywhere from 18-24 hours.
Allow to cool and add to a clean, dry, airtight container.
Enjoy! 🍉
Notes
Please note that the Watermelon reduces significantly in size once dehydrated and has concentrated, high levels of sugars. Enjoy 2-3 pieces per serve as a treat or natural confectionary.
