Can you believe its almost mid August? We are already heading into fall just in a few weeks and you will start seeing from pumpkin to apple cider drinks on many menus! I don't know about you but as much as I enjoy fall I don't want summer to end!
Summer drinks are so beautiful and colorful because most of the time we use fruits to showcase the flavors in them. Watermelon specifically is one that is used a lot for summer, its so refreshing and sweet.
Watermelon:
Its a flowering plant.
It was originally domesticated in Africa.
It is a cultivated fruit worldwide, with more than 1,000 varieties.
There is evidence from seeds in Pharaoh tombs of watermelon cultivation in ancient Egypt.
In 2017, China produced about two-thirds of the world total of watermelons.
The Oklahoma State Senate passed a bill in 2007 declaring watermelon as the official state vegetable, with some controversy about whether it is a vegetable or a fruit.
In ancient times, watermelons were used to store water.
Watermelon fruit is 91% water, contains 6% sugars, and is low in fat.
Its loaded with vitamins and minerals.
We all know matcha is green and most of us get it in a latte but do we really know what it is?
Matcha:
Is finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, traditionally consumed in East Asia.
Preparation and consumption of powdered tea was formed into a ritual by Chan Buddhists.
Grinding the leaves is a slow process because the mill stones must not get too warm, and let the aroma of the leaves be altered. Up to one hour may be needed to grind 30 grams of matcha. Hence the pricing on matcha!
It contains caffeine, free amino acids, theanine, and vitamin C.
Caffeine is more concentrated in matcha, which Japanese Zen monks have used to stimulate awakeness, but the main matcha constituent expected to have a stress-reducing effect is theanine.
In addition to providing small amounts of vitamins and minerals, matcha is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been tied to protection against heart disease and cancer, as well as better blood sugar regulation, blood pressure reduction, and anti-aging.
Matcha literally means "tea powder".
Here is a recipe we found on Pinterest by Oh How Civilized Blog all though there are so many out there! From Matcha Watermelon Margaritas to a Fruit Tea like the one below!
INGREDIENTS
▢2 cups watermelon seeded & cubed
▢1/2 cup cold water
▢1 teaspoon matcha
▢Ice
▢Optional: watermelon wedges for garnish
Puree watermelon in a blender until smooth. Set aside.
In a wide-mouth water bottle, combine water and matcha and vigorously shake for 10 seconds.
Into two cups filled with ice, pour in the watermelon puree halfway, followed by a layer of matcha. Pour any leftover watermelon foam on top of the matcha.
Garnish with watermelon wedges.
