This drink is made for digestion, health, and taste. In Asia they would make a drink which consists of citron, honey, and ginger then add it to warm water and drink it often for its amazing health benefits!! But we made a twist on the drink and adding cranberries and pink lemons…
Ever heard of citron? Ever heard of Buddha’s hand? Well, now you’ll know….
What is citron?
Citron is a large citrus fruit that comes from Asia, it has a thick bumpy rind and has a very powerful, aromatic, pleasant flavor. Citron is one of three only foundation citrus. Rich in many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, citron has been used for many, many, years for common colds, digestive issues, gut healing, and more. In this recipe I used “Buddha’s hand”, a citron variety that is very different looking and has “fingers”, it is mostly pith and doesn’t have much juice, but this varies throughout the Buddha’s hands.
A bit o-bout the ingredients…
Why citron?
Well we talked about “what” citron is, now why? The Buddha’s hand is high in pectin because it is mostly pith, so this will help thicken the purée up. Buddha’s hand is very good for you in many ways, it has anti-cancer, antibacterial, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, lowers blood pressure, improves the immune system and digestive health, aids in weight loss, relives coughs and sore throats, and it helps balance the acid in your gut thanks to the oil and juice in citron.
Whats up with cranberries?
Cranberries are amazing, and I’m not only talking about the fresh flavor… cranberries may help with urinary tract infections, certain cancers, reduce some diseases, including heart diseases. Cranberries are also anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, high in phytonutrients and anthocyanins. Theirs so many health benefits of cranberries I just can’t name them all.
Are pink lemons real?
Yup, they are. I know crazy right? You think it’s just a cute name someone came up with for marketing. But nope, they ARE real!! They have amazing health benefits, and they help “gel” up the purée thanks to the acid activating the pectin in the cranberries. The lemons are pink since they are high in lycopene, like watermelons, tomatoes, anything red really! This antioxidant is amazing for all sorts of stuff!! Like killing bacteria and helps to get rid of toxins in the body.
Ginger?
Ginger is known as one of the healthiest plants, and it tastes delicious!! It’s high in antioxidants, it’s anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory. And can help with weight loss, nausea, lower blood sugar, and more!!
Why raw honey?
Here’s some quick facts about raw honey, not to mention it’s wonderful flavor and sweetening powers.
Antioxidants
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Helps digestive system
Soothes soar throat
Cures colds
Helps allergies
Reduces heart problems
How to make this drink:
Easy, just pour warm water over a couple spoon fills of your purée.
What’s in it?
- 1 large Buddha’s hand/citron
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 pink lemon
- 1 3inch knob of ginger
- 1 cup raw honey
- Water
How to make it?
- Cut the Buddha’s hand in cubes (every part of it is edible so get it all in there for the benefits). Cut ginger and lemons in slices, place honey, cranberries, and rest of ingredients in a medium-large sauce pan, add water to pot at about 1/2 inch below the fruit.
- Boil on medium-high for about 15-20 minutes or until everything is soft enough to blend.
- Once ready, pulse a few times just to sorta break everything up, I prefer I little more chunky but if you would rather it be smoother then go ahead and blend fully. Store in a jar in the fridge. Add a few spoonfuls into warm water daily.
the potters table 