Popsicles - Cool Off with Herbal Treats

Nothing says summer to me like coming in from a hot day in the garden for a drink and popsicle break. Making my own gives me a chance to kick it up a notch, crafting my own flavor combinations and even using fruits and herbs that I’ve grown myself. I’ll share two easy recipes with you today that both have herbal teas as the base, using herbs that are cooling in nature. Feel free to tweak and adjust them, swapping out other kinds of fruits to find your favorite refreshing combo!

Watermelon Blast

INGREDIENTS: 

1 Tbs dried hibiscus, steeped in a quart of hot water

1 C. watermelon, chopped and deseeded

2 Tbs liquid sweetener (agave nectar, honey, etc)

1 Tbs lime juice

Handful of blueberries

Peach Dream

INGREDIENTS:

1 Tbs dried lemon balm, steeped in a quart of hot water

1 C. sliced peaches

½ banana

2 Tbs liquid sweetener (agave nectar, honey, etc)

One kiwi, peeled and cut into slices

Directions

  1. Steep one tablespoon of dried herb in a quart of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Then remove tea bag or tea infuser. Allow tea to cool to room temperature.
  2. In a blender, combine the tea and all other ingredients, except the blueberries or kiwi. Blend well until the mix is of a smooth consistency.
  3. Pour mixture into your popsicle molds, leaving a half inch of headspace.
  4. Drop or slide blueberries or kiwi slices into the molds along the sides, filling up the remaining room.
  5. Insert popsicle sticks and move to freezer. Allow to freeze solid (overnight is best).
  6. Enjoy!!

*If you’d like a creamier popsicle, add ¼ C of coconut milk or yogurt to either of the mix recipes.

**You can also swap out the fruits for others if you like. The Watermelon Blast is also great with cherries and/or strawberries. The Peach Dream is good with orange and pineapple!

Sara Schuster is a queer herbalist, homesteader, and medicinal herb farmer. She offers herbal products, educational workshops, and herbal consultations through her business, Fox and Elder. She is also the host of the Tending Seeds podcast. Sara can be reached at FoxandElder.com, as well as on Instagram and Facebook.

Click here for more by Sara!