Learn the best way to batch-prepare infused water for your whole family. Get tips on storage, flavor combinations, and keeping everyone hydrated all week long.
1 Answer
To batch-prepare infused water for a family, combine your chosen fruits, vegetables, and herbs with water in a large pitcher or dispenser, refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours (or overnight for stronger flavor), and then strain out the solids before serving.
Detailed Explanation:
Batch-preparing infused water is a great way to keep your family hydrated with a healthy and flavorful beverage. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Choose Your Ingredients: Select your favorite fruits (berries, citrus, melon), vegetables (cucumber, ginger, celery), and herbs (mint, basil, rosemary). Consider combinations like strawberry-basil, cucumber-mint, or lemon-ginger.
Prepare the Ingredients: Wash all produce thoroughly. Slice fruits and vegetables into thin rounds or chunks to maximize surface area for infusion. Gently bruise herbs to release their oils.
Combine Ingredients and Water: In a large pitcher, dispenser, or jar, combine your prepared ingredients with cold, filtered water. A good ratio is about 1 cup of fruit/vegetables/herbs per gallon of water, but adjust to your taste.
Refrigerate and Infuse: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours. For a stronger flavor, infuse overnight. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor will become.
Strain and Serve: Before serving, strain out the solids to prevent them from becoming mushy and affecting the taste. You can discard the solids or compost them.
Store and Enjoy: Infused water can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor will continue to develop over time.
Pro Tip:
Avoid using overly ripe or bruised fruit, as it can make the water cloudy and less appealing. Fresh, firm produce will yield the best results and flavor.