jah bless watermelon season. how can you not love this fruit! sweet, refreshing, packed full of vitamin c. 91% water, it's perfect for hydrating from within and regulating blood sugar. watermelon out of season is absolutely awful, so if you've had a bad experience, try again this season! and make sure it's seeded... the seeds are edible (yes even the black ones), and a great source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
moringa is an incredible plant native to parts of Africa and Asia. it contains 92 nutrients and 46 antioxidants! it's also super high in protein.
both watermelon and moringa are rumoured to have aphrodisiac properties... add 3 shots of wray and nephews (or vodka) and 2 shots of midori for those sultry summer nights (they are coming i believe it).
serves 6
ingredients:
1/4 large watermelon, cut into chunks and frozen for at least 3 hours
1 tsp moringa (optional, it's just as yummy without!)
6 tbsp rose syrup
rose syrup:
3 inches ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
handful of fresh mint
1 cup dried rose petals
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar (i used coconut sugar)
3 limes, cut into quarters
method:
if you haven't, prepare the watermelon into chunks and freeze for at least 3 hours.
make the rose syrup by combining the water, sugar, ginger and limes in a pot. bring to a boil. stir to fully dissolve the sugar.
once the sugar dissolves, add the rose petals and and mint and leave to simmer on a low heat until reduced and syrupy (around 15 minutes).
once reduced, use a sieve to remove the ginger, lime and herbs. keep the retaining liquid in a sealed jar in the fridge until needed.
blend the 6 tbsp rose syrup, moringa and frozen watermelon until fully combined and the frozen watermelon is fully crushed.
alternatively, you can layer it so it looks pretty... add halve the frozen watermelon and rose syrup to the blender and pulse until thick and combined. place in the fridge. be quick so the ice doesnt melt!
blend the remaining half of the syrup and frozen watermelon with the moringa. it will turn an amazing green colour. this would also be where you added the midori for an alcoholic alternative.
layer the two contrasting colours in your glass. try and recreate a classic watermelon, or mix it up. be as creative as you like, and tag me in what you come up with!
enjoy!