Infused Water is Your New Favorite Spring Drink

Let’s be honest, staying properly hydrated isn’t always easy. One of the biggest challenges to getting our recommended daily dose of H2O might be how we think about the water we drink.

Plain, ole water just doesn’t get the hype of other beverages. Sodas, sports drinks, coffees and teas are exciting and flavorful. Water, on the other hand, gets the broccoli treatment – it may be good for you, but it’s not what you want for dinner.

Well, water is good for you, no doubt. But you can also make it exciting and flavorful. Let’s find out a little bit more about infused water.

WHAT IS INFUSED WATER?

It’s simple. Just add some of your favorite herbs, fruits or vegetables to a pitcher of Primo water, and ta-da! You have infused water.

Recipes for infused water have been found in books from as far back as the Renaissance. Those recipes, however, typically called for flowers instead of fruits or veggies – getting a varied mix of produce was probably a bit harder back in those days. Today, you’ll find a rich sampling of infused water recipes that utilize all sorts of awesome ingredients, from basil and cucumbers to strawberries and watermelon.

Aside from tasting great, there are also a number of health benefits associated with drinking infused water. In fact, some people refer to fruit-infused water as “detox” water.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF DRINKING INFUSED WATER

The benefits of drinking infused water are largely the same as drinking non-flavored water: more energy, better mood, higher functioning digestive system and increased brain power. Replacing sugary drinks with water can also help with the process of weight loss.

But you also get a little something extra when you add fruit, herbs or vegetables to the mix. These ingredients provide an influx of Vitamin C, which help to flush out toxins from your body and boost your immune system. A number of cancer treatment centers recommend infused water for patients who otherwise would have trouble staying hydrated.

The only thing you should watch out for when making infused water at home is the quality of your ingredients. Bad produce is bad trouble. Be sure to buy fruit and veggies with intact skin or rind

Also, if you’re a fan of citrus flavors be sure to switch up your infused water recipes. Citrus fruit are acidic, and frequent exposure to acidic content can lead to loss of enamel, tooth sensitivity and cavities.

Try your hand at a couple of our favorite recipes to enjoy on a gorgeous April day.

INFUSED WATER RECIPES FOR SPRING

Fresh, colorful and aromatic, this strawberry, basil and lemon infused water recipe is perfect for this time of year. This concoction, along with a few other delicious suggestions, come from our friends at Culinary Hill.

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup strawberries (stemmed and sliced)

5 large fresh basil leaves (torn)

1 lemon (thinly sliced)

1 pitcher Primo water (cold or room temperature)

Have some cucumbers and mint left over from another recipe? They make great ingredients for a surprisingly refreshing springtime drink. Try your hand at this and other recipes from A Sweet Pea Chef.

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup English cucumber (6 to 8 thick slices)

1/3 cup fresh mint leaves

1 pitcher Primo water (cold or room temperature)

GREAT RECIPES DESERVE PRIMO WATER

Water is the cooking ingredient you think about least. But contaminants in your cooking and drinking water can greatly impact the quality and taste of the food you make. Get the most flavor our of your favorite beverages and dishes by using clean, purified, great-tasting Primo water with your recipes. Join the Primo Lifestyle at www.primowater.com.