Savour Fresh Fruits & Herbs with Dreamy Summertime Beverages
We love summer’s bounty of fresh, vibrant fruits and fragrant herbs – a feast for the senses. But, before we get swept up in the moment and overload our baskets, let’s talk about preventing food waste. Fresh produce accounts for 45% of all household food waste in Canada and overbuying and improper storage are part of the issue. With a little bit of planning, proper storage and tasty, dreamy summertime beverages, we want to help you savour every morsel (and sip!) of your fresh fruits and herbs this summer.
Planning & Storage Tips:
Don’t overbuy! Most summer fruits and herbs are delicate and only last 3-5 days in the fridge. If you don’t have a plan for how you’re going to use them, leave them at the market.
Once you get your chosen fruits and herbs home, here’s the best way to store them.
Keep delicate berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries in the fridge in a shallow layer in a paper towel-lined container. Wash them just before eating.
Store cherries in a breathable container in the fridge and avoid overcrowding. Wash just before eating.
Store whole lemons and limes in the fridge in a mesh bag. To revive wrinkly citrus, soak in a bowl of cool water for an hour. Keep cut citrus in an airtight container or freeze for easy use in the future.
Store whole watermelons at room temperature for up to a week. Once cut, keep in a container in the fridge or freeze in chunks for a refreshing treat.
Peaches, nectarines, and apricots can ripen at room temperature but should be refrigerated once ripe.
Most herbs, including basil, parsley, dill, mint, and cilantro thrive in a glass of water in the fridge, like a mini bouquet. Alternatively, wrap in damp paper towel in original package or a bag. Woody herbs like sage, rosemary and thyme prefer being wrapped and kept dry in the fridge.
Want to add to your repertoire of summertime recipes using fresh herbs and fruits? Use them in tasty and refreshing beverages. Here are two techniques perfect for fresh herbs and fruits, even those that aren’t perfectly blemish-free.
1. Herb Infused Water, Iced Tea & Lemonade
Embrace spa vibes by adding fresh herbs, sliced fruit, cucumbers and even edible flowers to water or your favourite iced tea or lemonade. For the quickest option, simply add a handful of fresh herbs and sliced fruit to a prepared jug of iced water, lemonade or tea. They’ll look and taste great for several hours. If using lemons and limes, add them closer to serving time to avoid them from making the water bitter.
For an icy, make-ahead option, freeze fruit chunks or puree fruit and freeze in ice cube trays. These frozen cubes make it fun and easy to have a refreshing beverage any time.
2. Herb Infused Simple Syrups
Simple syrup is commonly used to sweeten iced coffees, teas, mocktails and cocktails and is easily made by dissolving sugar in water. Why not add extra flavour and colour with fruits and herbs. Use the stems of herbs, tops of berries or any fruit that may look a little lack lustre in this easy recipe.
- In a small pot, simmer 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar and ½ cup fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, mint or lemon thyme. Adding ½ cup gently mashed fruit is optional.
- Simmer for 2 minutes. Turn off heat, cover and let steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer, cool syrup, and keep in fridge for a week or freeze for extended storage.
- Use 1-2 Tbsp syrup per drink.
Mock Mojito: 1-2 Tbsp mint simple syrup, 2 Tbsp lime juice, topped with club soda and garnished with a wedge of lime and mint sprig. For a spirited version add 2 ounces of white rum.
Cheers to a fabulous summer enjoying all those delicious summertime fruits and herbs.
For more details on how to store specific produce, see our A to Z Storage Guide.
We’d love to see and hear your summertime bevies with fresh fruits and herbs! Post a picture and tag our Instagram @lovefoodhatewasteca.
