Homemade infused water is so easy to make, healthy, and so delicious!
Many spas serve fancy waters, and it turns out that Infused Waters or Spa Waters are so simple to make, plus they are so refreshing! Try this delicious and healthy Orange and Viola Infused Water. The general rule of thumb, is to experiment and have fun when making infused waters. Choose ingredients you enjoy and try new things you haven’t tried before.
This refreshing Orange and Viola Infused Water has a crisp orange essence with a bite of vanilla spice undertones from the violas. The combination is a great boost to your your immune system. Oranges are rich in Vitamins C and A, flavonoids, antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and dietary fiber. Violas (Viola Odorata and Viola Tricolor) are known as sweet violets, miniature pansies, and Johnny-jump-ups. Violas are a heartsense herb because of their properties that strengthen blood vessels, gently stimulate the circulatory, and immune systems. They also have strong anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
- 1/2 cup violets (violas)*
- 2 large oranges, peeled and sliced**
- 4 cups ice cubes
- 1 gallon cold water (tap, filtered, sparkling/mineral, or spring water), your choice***
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Cleaning Edible Flowers: Shake each flower to dislodge insects hidden in the petal folds. Wash the flowers under a fine jet of water or in a strainer placed in a large bowl of water. Drain and allow to dry on absorbent paper. The flowers will retain their odor and color providing they dry quickly and that they are not exposed to direct sunlight.
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In a gallon glass pitcher or a clean and rinsed gallon milk jug, add the ice cubes, violets/violas, and orange slices.
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Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. The flavors will intensify the longer the water sits in the refrigerator.
* Learn more about Edible Flowers. Do not eat flowers from florists, nurseries or garden centers. In many cases these flowers have been treated with pesticides not labeled for food crops. I use the violets that I grown in my own yard.
** I like to peel citrus fruits that I use in making infused waters. I find that the peels can turn the water somewhat bitter.
*** Do not use hot water! Hot water destroys the enzymes and vitamins in fruits and vegetables. Hot water will also make you fruit or vegetables fall apart and look a lot less pretty. So, be sure to use cold water!
