| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 120 | 0.2g | 0g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 28g | 1.7g | 1.2g | 0.02g |
If someone was to ask me why I find the Salal Berry and Mint Lemonade so irresistible, I’d say it’s the marriage of the Pacific Northwest’s rustic nature and the Japanese love for simplicity and balance, all encapsulated in this luscious drink. Born and raised in Seattle, where the Salal Berry is wildly abundant, I quickly adopted this unique fruit into my culinary reserves. And when paired with my Tokyo roots, where minimalism and refinement is a philosophy rather than a preference, it results in this enchanting concoction that is fresh, beautifully simple, yet deeply satisfying.
A Fusion of Flavors and Cultures
The Salal Berry and Mint Lemonade is a testament to my dual heritage. The tartness of the Salal berries, customarily found in the Pacific Northwest, offers an undertone that is strikingly complemented by the universal citric tang of lemon. Balancing these two is the allure of mint – not overwhelming, but just right to add a refreshing twist. What’s unique about this recipe is its graceful balance, drawing parallels to the sophistication of a Kaiseki Ryori – a traditional Japanese multi-course meal, in a casual, laid-back, drink-from-the-mason-jar style. This lemonade is to me what the Pacific Northwest is to Japan – unique yet harmonious.
Refreshing Health Benefits
Although my fondness for this recipe is for its taste and heritage, it also comes packed with a variety of health benefits. Salal berries are a good source of Vitamin C, a vital nutrient known for boosting immunity and protecting the body against free radicals. Lemons share the same health benefits, but also enrich the drink with essential potassium. Mint, on the other hand, is a well-known digestive aid, making this the ideal indulgence after a hearty meal.
Pair this invigorating lemonade with some hearty regional sushi rolls or a classic seafood platter, and you get a booth in the best of two worlds – the wild and rustic Pacific Northwest and the balanced, minimalist Japan. Discover the power of harmony and simplicity with your own glass of Salal Berry and Mint Lemonade, and let yourself be seduced by an experience that transcends borders, one sip at a time.”
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of fresh salal berries
- 1.5 cups of fresh lemon juice (around 7-8 lemons)
- 1 cup of granulated white sugar
- 6 cups of cold water
- 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves
- 1 lemon, sliced for garnish
- Ice cubes for serving
Method
Step One
Start by squeezing out the juice from the lemons until you obtain about 1.5 cups of fresh lemon juice.
Step Two
Take the fresh salal berries and using a blender or food processor, process them until smooth. Pass the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or skin, and keep the berry juice aside.
Step Three
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar with 1 cup of water, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved to make a syrup. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step Four
Take your fresh mint leaves and add them to the cooled sugar syrup. Leave them to infuse for about 10 minutes. After this time, strain the syrup to remove the mint leaves. Keep the mint-infused syrup aside.
Step Five
In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice, the salal berry juice, the mint-infused syrup and the remaining 5 cups of cold water. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step Six
Prepare the lemon slices for garnish. Then, fill your serving glasses with ice cubes before pouring in the salal berry and mint lemonade.
Step Seven
Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon and a few fresh mint leaves, if desired. Enjoy your refreshing Salal Berry and Mint Lemonade!
