Nothing quenches a summer thirst quite like fresh squeezed lemonade.  The tart, crisp taste says summer in the city, picnic in the meadow and beach time with friends all rolled into one.

In itself, a glass of homemade lemonade, sweetened with a little stevia, honey or maple syrup can be healthful as well as delicious.  Lemons are low in calories and rich in Vitamin C, a key antioxidant known to neutralize free radicals in the body.   It also helps to breakdown histamine, an inflammatory chemical produced by over-reactive immune cells — a particular concern for anyone suffering from seasonal allergies.

For a new taste sensation and even more powerful health benefits, you can add Goji berries to your next pitcher of lemonade.

Hailed as a superfood, the goji is a Himalayan berry that gram for gram packs more vitamin C than oranges and more beta-carotene than carrots.  Regarded as the ‘fruit of longevity’ and anti-aging by Tibetans, they are also high in amino acids and several B vitamins.  Goji berries are similar in taste to raisins but more tart and can be eaten raw or soaked and added to other dishes or beverages like tea or lemonade.   One caution: gojis are part of the nightshade family of plants so anyone with sensitivities to nightshades might want to enjoy their lemonade straight up!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup goji berries, soaked in water for 4-8 hours
  • Juice of 3 lemons
  • Pinch sea or Himalayan salt
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup, or to taste (optional)
  • 4 cups fresh filtered water

Directions:

After soaking the berries, discard water and place in blender with all other ingredients.   Blend until smooth.  Serve over ice.  Enjoy!