Summer isn’t Summer without Lemonade! What could be more refreshing? Well, how about this…

by Tina Martini, The Medicine Chef  

The fragrance of a fresh squeezed lemon brightens my mood immediately. Have you noticed that, too? This recipe is so simple and packs a lot of “phyte”. Phytonutrients, that is. We’re really celebrating a double dose of Summer with this Watermelon Lemonade. And, I’ve thrown in a variation  you and your family are sure to enjoy. Hey, you juicers and amateur chefs lurking out there. Get with it and enter your favorite summer cooler in Checkit! with Leigh’s Cool Summer Refreshers Recipe Contest! You could be the big winner!

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed watermelon, rind removed
• zest of one lemon
• 1 1/2 c fresh lemon juice
• 1 c honey
• 3 c cold water
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced for garnish
• 2 clean ice cube trays

Directions

1. In a food processor, puree the cubed watermelon until very smooth.
2. Set a mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the watermelon puree through the strainer.
3. Stir the puree to release as much juice as possible and discard the dry pulp.
4. Set aside.
5. In a large pitcher, dissolve honey into lemon juice.
6. Combine the watermelon puree, lemon zest, and water.
7. Stir to thoroughly blend the ingredients.
8. Fill each of the ice cube trays with some of the mix and pop’em into your freezer.
9. Cover the rest of your watermelon lemonade and chill until the gourmet ice is ready.
10. Server and delight!

Your drinks won’t get diluted in the hot summer sun using you gourmet ice. When it melts, you only get more lemonade! Cut a crisp slice of watermelon and “cookie cut” it into cute shapes for the rim of the glass. Finally, slip a thin lemon slice over the straw.

Phyto Facts

Watermelon is both natural sunscreen and heart healthy. All the great things a cooked tomato can do, thanks to it’s high lycopene content, watermelon can do, too! That beautiful blush on the fruit is the telltale sign of lycopene on board. Watermelon also contains citrullene, “nature’s Viagra”.

Honey is perfect for summer due to it’s water holding capability. Yes, it’s important to drink plenty of water, but we want to be sure the water is being truely absorbed by our tissue. Honey is a humectant. That means it binds water. Spread warm honey on your clean face, and then place a warm, damp hand towel over your face. Lay back for 20 minutes. Rinse your face and apply your favorite moisturizer. It’s a twofer! The honey makes your moisturizer more effective, due to its humectant effect. Research is also being done on honey’s antioxidant properties with relation to cancer treatment.

Lemon is high on the list of anti-aging foods. Bioflavinoids are one of the best ways of turning back the aging clock. Limonene in lemons stops tumors from setting up their own blood supply; causing the tumor to die naturally by being starved of blood. Limonene is one of the factors associated with the longevity benefits of the Mediterranean Diet.

Check it! Here’s the special variation I promised you. Use the lemon/honey formula as a base and then add the fruits, veggies and herbs that your family will enjoy. For a spicy twist, puree four cups of fresh, cleaned strawberries with a half of a jalepeno pepper. Strain the puree through your fine mesh strainer, just like you did with the watermelon. Add the “pepperberry” puree to your lemonade and you have Strawberry/Jalepeno Lemonade. This is also great served as a Limeade. I can spend all summer thinking up new spins on an old favorite! I bet you can too! That’s why you should enter The Contest! 

by Chef Tina Martini, “The Medicine Chef” @MedicineChef | Facebook Chef Martini is an experienced, well-versed television personality with a successful and proven track record. She holds a doctorate from Bastyr University in Naturopathy and a Nutrition degree from San Diego State University. She mixes cooking with nutrition, fitness and wellness!