Low FODMAP confession!! I have a super sweet tooth and although I am religiously Low FODMAP, I get through an alarming amount of sugar free dilute squash. So much that I hardly ever drink plain water.
Its been a hot and thirsty summer so I've been on the search for a more healthy alternative...minus the artificial sweeteners.
The great thing about the summer weather is that all sorts of plants come into full fruit and flower, including lavender. The lavender plant is highly aromatic and produces vivid purple flowers on its buds which are edible.
This recipe uses the flower of lavender (which grows from the buds) which gives this infusion a mild floral taste. Lavender becomes more potent the drier it becomes, so if you prefer to use dried lavender buds to make your infusion, use sparingly!
Lavender goes so well with many other herbs and fruits, especially citrus. I chose lemon but you could choose any herb or fruit that suits you!
If you have a sweet tooth but want to stay sugar free, then this recipe may be just for you!
I've listed out some rough instructions to get you started, but this really is a no recipe recipe! Adjust to taste.
If you decide to give this recipe a go, please share your thoughts, pictures and recipe tweaks. Good luck!
Notes before we get started!
I'm a big fan of simple recipes that don't need fancy equipment. For this recipe it does help to have a sharp knife to cut the lemons and a sieve to separate the juice from the pulp
Ingredients:
Method
Step 1.
Pour the warm water into a jar/medium bowl.
Step 2.
Add the sliced lemon and lavender flowers.
Step 3.
Leave to infuse for at least 1 hr.
Step 4.
Strain the mixture (removing the lavender and lemon slices) and set aside.
Step 5.
Add to lemon/lavender mixture to sparkling water when you are ready to serve.
Step 6.
Garnish with additional lavender flowers.
NB: Lavender flowers keep their shape and turn a beautiful lilac colour for up to a day after being added whole to this drink as a garnish, so this drink can be made well in advance.
Disclaimer
I'm very passionate about the management of autoimmune conditions in a healthy way.
I speak with medical professionals, read journals, try and test new recipes to share with you and diligently undertake research online. That being said, as you know, each autoimmune disease, as well as any set of symptoms you may be experiencing are unique.
All information provided is in no way intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure the appropriateness of any information in relation to your own situation.
And finally, please comment and share so we as a community better cope with our conditions by through growth and learning.