It is HOT. You’re chasing kiddos, running errands, working in a garden, going for a jog, checking the mail. You’re sweating. You need something cool and tart and refreshing.
Lemonade.
Is this not a lifelong favorite? Whether your childhood came from a can or a powder, you can try the pure sweet golden liquid so easily. I love the idea that this drink is easy enough for little to make, a “mediums” to take over. In a culdesac or a farm stand, littles can bring back the classic 90’s money maker: the lemonade stand!
We’ve had the pleasure of participating in a neighborhood farmer’s market. Mom has sold leftover plant starts and sourdough loaves, and son watched with big eyes at the interaction. How fun to see real people trading real things for real money! This is no plastic hamburger swapped for a couple of measly HEB buddy bucks… Now, little man spends the afternoon before market with dad or grandma to perfect his chocolate chip cookies, for which he charges $1 each and quickly sells out.
And now, little sister turns to me with big blue eyes with wonder and I know what’s coming. It feels a bit like “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”…
When are lemons in season?
In the south, we celebrate the lemon from September to April! But when it is hot and summery, that’s when I want lemonade, you may say. Ah, the illustrious confusion of seasonal eating…
It is true across the board! Sister state, Florida, harvests most lemons, limes, grapefruits and oranges from September to May at the latest. This is where the delights of preservation have found us – marmalades, preserved lemons, candied citrus peel etc.
When all else fails, splurge on the in season citrus, squeeze and slightly zest, and store the juice in the freezer for your future summer drinks.
What are ways to use extra lemon juice or lemonade?
Make popsicles – adding other in season fruits for summer, such as berries. Mix in a tablespoon of yogurt and a tablespoon of honey to make things more creamy!
Marinate meat – add lemon juice to a whole chicken with rosemary and garlic cloves. Add lemon to chili powder and garlic powder and use as a paste on pork tenderloin.
Zest up pasta – mix lemon juice and chicken broth in a pot and cook orzo. Add more lemon once cooked, as well as minced garlic and finely chopped basil.
Ingredients
5 lemons
½ c honey
½ c warm water
1 pinch of quality salt
2-4 c cool water
Ice
Extras: sliced kiwi, cubed pineapple, chopped strawberries, ½ c coconut water
Directions
- Dissolve honey in 1 cup of warm water.
- Halve lemons and squeeze juice into honey water.
- Stir in salt, cool water and ice.
- Dilute to taste.
- Mix in extras such as: cubed pineapple, sliced kiwis or frozen strawberries.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 8-10 days.
Love for Lemons
For another taste of summer, be sure to check out Bunny Book Club recommendations for summer reading and “The Seven Silly Eaters”.
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