Turmeric is an awesome flavor with numerous advantages. I cherish utilizing it as a part of cooking and in normal excellence formulas.
Many Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is a versatile spice that I use often and it is also a great natural remedy.
It can be used externally to improve skin, can help whiten teeth, and in poultices to soothe rashes. Internally, it supports digestion, the liver, and is high in beneficial antioxidants.
This power spice is a cornerstone of Indian cuisine and used in curry powders, mustards and more.
Doctors and naturopaths often recommend turmeric as a way to help lower inflammation in the body. Thousands of studies show its benefits in promoting heart health, mental health, reducing inflammation and ensuring balanced blood sugar.
How to Use Turmeric
I love to add turmeric to skin scrubs and other beauty recipes. I also put it in many of my homemade spice blends and add it to many recipes.
Unfortunately, many of the foods I love adding turmeric in, like soups and stews, aren’t good summer recipes. I find it harder to consume foods and drinks with turmeric in warmer months.
My favorite turmeric recipe of all time is this Turmeric Tea (also called Golden Milk). I make that warm and savory drink with coconut milk and other spices and love it in cooler months.
Turmeric Lemonade
Unfortunately, when the outside temperatures start hitting 90+ degrees, hot drinks lose some of their appeals. I’ve been experimenting with ways to use turmeric in cooler foods and drinks and come up with a few recipes we love.
This iced turmeric lemonade is a delicious summer favorite for our family as I’ve been making it often for the kids while they are playing outside. It is incredibly easy to make and tastes great!
The earthy taste of the turmeric provides gorgeous color but is mostly hidden by the tang of the lemon. Personally, I like to use liquid stevia to sweeten this, though any natural sweetener would work.
Iced Turmeric Lemonade Recipe
Refreshing iced turmeric lemonade combines earthy and bright turmeric with fresh lemon and natural sweetness for a delicious summer drink.
Serves: 4 cups
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 1.5 cup of ice
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (or more to taste about 2-3 lemons)
- 1-2 teaspoons turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon stevia drops (or more to taste)- Can substitute other natural sweetener but will need to add more
- Tiny pinch of black pepper (increases benefits of turmeric)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend for 60 seconds or until ice is completely blended in.
- Let rest for about 30 seconds before pouring. Pour into cups to serve. I prefer to serve over more ice.
- Consume immediately.
Notes:
If you won’t consume all of this at once, make smaller batches by cutting the recipe in half or even fourths. I prefer to use stevia to keep the sugar content down, but any natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey will work well in this recipe. You can also make this with lime juice (same amount as lemon juice) or orange juice (double the juice and reduce the water by ½ cup).
Do you use turmeric in your recipes? Share your favorite tips below!
Sources:
1. K. (2016, August 14). Iced Turmeric Lemonade Recipe. Retrieved August 24, 2016
2. healthy-holistic-living.com
Image Sources:
http://cdn.wellnessmama.com/wp-content/uploads/Iced-Turmeric-Lemonade-Recipe.jpg