Cooperative Extension: Food & Health

• Clean the kitchen area and wash hands with soap and water.
• Gently rinse all fresh produce, including berries and herbs, under cold running water. If using herbs, pat them dry with a clean paper towel afterward.
• Cut produce and herbs.
• Place cut produce and herbs in a large pitcher or single-serving glasses.
• Fill with water.
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes - 4 hours to allow the ingredients to infuse.
• To make sure your infused water doesn't get bitter, taste it periodically as it infuses. When you taste, pour a small amount into a separate cup rather than drinking directly from the main pitcher. This keeps the rest of your water clean.
• Before serving or storing, strain out the infused ingredients.
• Pour the water over ice if preferred. For a more appealing look, you can add fresh, whole pieces of the ingredients just before serving.

Tips for Cutting Produce

• Thin slices: citrus (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits), apples, pears, and firmer fruits.
• Chunks: Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew), kiwi, and mango.
• Halve or Quarter: Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries). For a stronger berry flavor, gently muddle them.
• Muddle (lightly crush with a spoon or muddler): For softer fruits like berries, or fibrous ingredients like ginger, rosemary, thyme, or oregano. Provides a stronger flavor in less time. Be careful not to over-muddle herbs; they can release a bitter flavor or make the water cloudy.
• Tear: mint, basil, cilantro, and parsley. Herbs can be left whole for visual appeal, but the flavor won't infuse as well.

Storage

• For safety, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container as soon as possible, or within 2 hours, and use within 3 days.
• Leftovers can also be frozen as ice cubes and placed in freezer-grade containers or bags and used within 3 to 4 months for best quality.
• Don't refill a batch of infused water from a previous day and add fresh ingredients to it. Always start a new batch with clean ingredients and a clean container.