If you think about it, lemons are kind of amazing. They add flavor to food and drinks, they provide aromatherapy benefits, they’re good for cleaning, and they are healthy, too. They’re a wonderfruit! At Modern Kids Design, we try to use lemons whenever we can. And we aren’t alone in our love of the amazing lemon.

Lemons are high in vitamin C. Their scent makes you feel alert and energized. They have antibacterial properties that aren’t just good for you but for cleaning too….And did we mention that it is good for digestion? There is seemingly no end to the amazing lemon story when comes to the benefits. Adding lemon to your tea or water in a common remedy when you’re sick, but it’s also alkalizing and aids in balancing your pH levels. Some people even recommend drinking lemon mixed with honey and water for more vibrant skin! We like to add a bit of ginger for an added twist (plus, ginger is another great superfood with plenty of its own benefits).

Here is what the experts say. Lemons have phytonutrient properties, including vitamin C, which is one of nature’s most important antioxidants. As such, when used regularly lemons can also play a vital role in maintaining a strong immune system. Related to that, they contain what’s called flavonoids that have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.  That’s why we reason that when it comes to lemonade, it is a fun way to sneak (or, rather, pack in) more nutrition into the family diet. So, any time is a great time because lemonade not only tastes good, it’s good for you, too!  Lemons grow year-round, but they’re popularly used for lemonade during summertime. Consider adding this beverage to the family menu all year long. Yes, that’s right, if you haven’t done so already, we recommend adding some invigorating lemons to your diet. Don’t alienate them to one single season.

Here are a few of our favorite recipes which can be enjoyed by kids of all ages (trust us, you’ll want to try them)!

Juicy Lemonade

This recipe requires a juicer. If you don’t have one, don’t worry. We have a recipe for you, too!

6 apples (preferably yellow but any will work, including red delicious)

¼ lemon (including the skin)

Green grapes, as needed

Follow the instructions for your juicer and cut up the fruit as necessary. Juice and taste. If you need more liquid, add some green grapes to taste.

So why include the lemon skin? Well, the rind has its own vitamins and flavonoids! This juicy lemonade will energize you and get you ready to cross off the items on the to-do list (or maybe that’s just us).  🙂

“Green” Lemonade

If you’re looking to sneak or, rather, introduce some veggies into a juice for the family, a “green” lemonade is the way to go! Lemons are so flavorful, they’ll feature strongly in any juice you make (and mask the taste of the greens…not that we really want to do that, right? Isn’t’ the goal with veggies to try to help kids expand the palate? Well, maybe not with lemonade. ) 🙂

Simply add a handful of your favorite greens to the Juicy Lemonade recipe above. Our favorites are a handful of spinach or a handful of kale. The point is not to make it super green and change the taste, but simply to sneak add in some veggies and add a few more vitamins (and create a hint of green in your lemonade).

Organic Minty Lemonade

No juicer required for this yummy recipe!

Juice of 6 organic lemons squeezed the old fashion way

6 cups of water

Handful of fresh mint leaves, slightly muddled to release flavor

Simple syrup to taste

To make the simple syrup:

Mix one cup organic sugar and one cup water in a pot on the stove. Heat until translucent (when the sugar has melted). Let cool.

Combine the lemon juice, water, and fresh mint leaves. Stir and taste. Add more of the simple syrup if necessary. Serve over ice or keep in the fridge until it’s time to serve. Honestly, there is no end to the possibilities for a healthy lemonade. Instead of mint, sometimes, we add crushed strawberries, or other berries for the “look”, the taste, and the vitamins. 🙂 The fourth recipe, of course, is the traditional lemonade — Lemonade with a homemade simple syrup.

We hope you enjoyed this post. If there is anything in particular you’d like us to cover, feel free to reach out at healthyliving@modernkidsdesign.com.  As always, thanks for reading!