Infusing water is incredibly simple. The easiest recipes only take a minute or two to make and require very few supplies. Now learn how to make your own healthy, nutritious flavored water with nothing artificial, just the goodness of real foods, herbs, and spices.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Think about fruits and vegetables that would infuse into water easily; these are often high-juice fruits and vegetables. Herbs and spices can also be added for that extra flavor burst. Variety is the spice of life!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
First, choose a water bottle, lidded jar, or pitcher. If you like infused waters on a regular basis, you might consider purchasing a special fruit infusion pitcher or fruit infusion water bottle, which is portable. Besides a container, another tool you might need is a wooden spoon, masher, or muddler for crushing ingredients.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To make infused water, add the washed fruit, vegetables, herbs, and\/or spices to the container and then fill it up with cool water. Peel the citrus fruits from their skin to avoid a bitter taste. Use thin slices or small cubes so the flavor will infuse more quickly. These will need to be in smaller pieces for containers, such as personal bottles. Squeeze or slightly mash and break down the fruit\/vegetables if desired. Gently tear, rub, or crush the leaf of herbs to release the natural extracts and oils. Another method is pureeing your ingredients, straining the pulp, then diluting the puree with water.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
You can infuse water with any number of fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and even edible flowers! Here are some ideas:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Fruit: <\/strong><\/em>berries, citrus, melon, tropical fruits, apples, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Vegetables:<\/em><\/strong> carrots, celery, cucumber, fennel, peppers (hot or sweet)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Herbs: <\/strong><\/em>basil, cilantro, mint, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Spices:<\/em><\/strong> cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, fresh ginger, star anise, whole pepper, vanilla bean<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Edible flowers:<\/em><\/strong> citrus blossoms, hibiscus, lavender, pansies, roses, violets, or any that are 100% pesticide-free<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Patience is important in this process! Let the water rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 8 hours for the flavors to meld. The longer the water sits, the more flavorful it will become. Some ingredients infuse faster than others. Citrus fruits are almost instant, while herbs can take several hours. Berries also take some time, and they release pigment, coloring the water slightly. If you don\u2019t drink the water within 24 hours, strain out the solids and refrigerate for up to three days.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Pour a glass and enjoy! You can refill the water a few times and let it infuse again, but the flavors won\u2019t be as pronounced.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The main health benefit of infused waters is hydration. If switching from soda or energy drinks to fruit-infused water, you also cut back on added sugars. While you do gain some nutrition from each infused fruit, you do not ingest the same fiber, nutrients, and vitamins as you would when blending fruits\/veggies and drinking them. Homemade infused waters don\u2019t contain an entire day\u2019s worth of vitamins or anything extreme like most store-bought \u201cvitamin waters\u201d with added vitamins \u2013 this is all about subtle flavors and natural nutrients.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Infusing\u00a0water with the essence of fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and other botanicals helps you\u00a0drink plenty of liquids without the downside of excess calories, sugars, and artificial flavorings. It\u2019s beneficial\u00a0hydration in every refreshing\u00a0sip. So if you don\u2019t like water because it\u2019s boring, this is for you!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Extension Nutrition and Food Safety Educator<\/p>\r\n Sources:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFlavor Combinations<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Resting Time<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Benefits<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n