Lemons are one of nature’s wonder foods, offering protection from infections, cleaning properties and aromatherapy. Its vitamin content will help boost the immune system and help the body ward off the common cold and flu. A perfect remedy for sore throats, they also aid with digestion.
A tall pitcher of lemonade is the perfect antidote for the winter blahs.
Mix it with water and other fruit juices to create this beautiful and tasty treat.
Sunset Lemonade Ingredients
- 1 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 orange juiced, freshly squeezed
- 1/3 cup grenadine
- 1/2 cup peach juice**
- 1 cup very hot water
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup sugar (flavor to taste. This is just the beginning amount.)
**Peaches are not easy to juice. Peach juice from canned peaches works great.
Sunset Lemonade Directions
- Combine lemon, orange and peach juices in a pitcher. Mix well.
- Add 1 cup of very hot water
- Add sugar, making sure it completely dissolves.
- Stir in 4 cups of cold water.
- Add grenadine.
- Garnish with orange slices.
- Chill for 30 minutes to an hour.
Variations
*Replace 3 cups of cold water with 3 cups of sparkling water. Add right before serving.
*Add a can of Sprite for some extra zing (again, add right before serving).
To maximize nutritional value it is best to squeeze the lemons and oranges instead of using a prepared lemon juice or a concentrate.
Helpful Hints and Suggestions
- The average lemons will produce 3 ounces of juice.
- Roll lemons, pressing down with the palm of your hand, before squeezing. This will maximize the amount of juice.
- Store lemons at room temperature to increase the amount of juice.
- If lemons are cold, microwave for 10-15 seconds to aid in juicing.
- Sugar is needed to cut the tartness of the lemons. After adding one cup of sugar to the lemonade, a sugar substitute can be used for additional sweetening.
- Taste test lemonade for water dilution and sweetness.
Lemon Facts
- 95% of all lemons produced in the United States are grown in California or Arizona.
- A tablespoon of lemon juice has only four calories and holds one tenth of your daily minimum Vitamin C requirement.
- Lemons are a natural inset repellent.
- Lemon juice can help reduce a fever by causing perspiration and blocking pain.
- The bioflavonoid found in lemons has antioxidants and anti-cancer characteristics.
- Ancient Romans believed lemons held the antidote for all poisons.
- Commercial lemon trees produce 1500 lemons a year.
- Lemons originated in Asia, probably China.
- Christopher Columbus introduced lemons to the Americas. Monks planted lemon seeds at their churches throughout the west.
Jennifer Blair - Jennifer Blair was born with a smile on her face, the wind beneath her feet and an already packed suitcase. Her father, a career Air Force ...
