One of our greatest joys as a family is being in the garden during the summer months. We homeschool year-round but many of our “schooling” days during the summer is spent learning in the garden. There are so many learning opportunities when you garden with children.
Homesteading is not as easy as you would think. Things just happen that may or may not be in your control. There are bugs, rodents and other larger animals, years with minimal rainfall, wind storms, plant cages that fall, birds, and so much more that can interfere with the overall growth opportunities for your garden. Over the last few years, our cherry tree has been less than exciting to have around. We’ve had years of bugs, fungus, poor vacation timing, birds, and other issues. After 5 years of trying, we FINALLY have the bunker crop we’ve been hoping for!
We’ve had so many this year, we’ve been working hard to come up with ways we can use them. The kids love a refreshing glass of lemonade while we’re outside schooling in the garden or going for a hike. So, we got them involved. They helped with everything from harvesting the tart cherries, washing, juicing, and making the lemonade. What a beautiful family project that creates memories and provides many opportunities for learning at home.
Did you know that tart cherries have a wonderful set of health benefits as well? Below is a list of benefits:
-Lowers the risk of a stroke
-Reduces inflammation
-Reduces belly fat
-Improves sleep quality
If we offer drinks outside of the milk and water they normally drink, I want to be sure its healthy for them. There are so many sugary drinks, lemonade for instance, can be filled with sugar. I like that this recipe offers a way that I can give them a refreshing drink during the hot, sunny days of summer and know that it’s going to be filled with goodness.
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
1 Corinthians 3: 16-17
I’m sharing the recipe below in hopes that your family will enjoy it as much as we do.
Tart Cherry Lemonade
Ingredients
Tart Cherries
Lemons
Water
Ice
Raw Honey
Directions
1. Using a cherry pitter, remove the pits of each cherry
2. Juice tart cherries and freeze in ice trays
3. Cut up lemons and add 2-4 slices in your glass
4. Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey
5. Add 2 ice cubes of you tart cherry juice
6. Fill with ice and water
7. Stir and enjoy!
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