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Okay, I know what you're thinking. Seaweed...in lemonade? Trust me on this one. I stumbled upon this crazy concoction during a trip to Maine. Picture this: I'm hiking along the craggy coastline, the air thick with the scent of salt and pine, when I see a little sign outside a cafe: 'Dulse Lemonade'. Curiosity (and a serious thirst) got the better of me. And, wow. It was an epiphany. The dulse adds this umami depth that regular lemonade just lacks. Kinda like how a pinch of salt makes sweet things sweeter, y'know? So, of course, I had to recreate it at home, and now I'm sharing the secret with you. Don't be scared!
This isn't just some weird foodie experiment, though. Dulse seaweed is packed with vitamins and minerals, making this lemonade a surprisingly healthy treat. We're talking Vitamin B12, iron, potassium, and iodine – all essential for feeling fantastic. Plus, the bright, tangy lemonade perfectly complements the dulse’s subtle, smoky flavor. It's a drink that’s both good for you and incredibly delicious, a win-win situation in my book. I promise, even the most skeptical palates will be pleasantly surprised. Think of it as an ocean-infused spa day for your taste buds!
So, ditch the boring, sugary sodas and dive into the Dulse Lemonade Reef. It's a fantastic conversation starter, a quirky party drink, and a delicious way to sneak some extra nutrients into your day. Plus, it looks absolutely gorgeous with a sprig of mint and a little dulse garnish floating on top. Who knew seaweed could be so chic? Ready to give it a try? Let's get started!
Required Equipments
Pitcher
Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
Saucepan
Lemon juicer
Measuring cups and spoons
Glasses
Dulse Lemonade Reef: An Ocean Inspired Delight: Frequently Asked Questions
Dulse Lemonade Reef: An Ocean Inspired Delight
Quench your thirst with Dulse Lemonade Reef, a refreshingly tart and subtly salty twist on classic lemonade, featuring the unique flavor of dulse seaweed for a mineral-rich, ocean-inspired beverage. It’s surprisingly delicious and good for you!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Gather Your Dulse: Find some good quality dulse seaweed flakes or whole leaf dulse. You can usually get this at health food stores or online. Make sure it's food grade!
Rinse the Dulse (If Using Whole Leaf): If you're using whole leaf dulse, give it a quick rinse under cold water to remove any sand or debris. No need to rinse the flakes.
Infuse the Water: In a pitcher, combine 4 cups of filtered water with 1/4 cup of dulse flakes (or 2-3 whole leaves, torn into smaller pieces).
Let it Steep: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the dulse to infuse the water with its subtle, salty flavor and nutrients. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be, so taste it after 2 hours and decide if you want it stronger.
Make the Lemonade Base: While the dulse is steeping, prepare a simple syrup. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. This can be done ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
Strain the Dulse Water: After steeping, strain the dulse water through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the seaweed. Discard the dulse.
Juice the Lemons: Juice about 8-10 lemons to get 1 1/2 cups of fresh lemon juice. Freshly squeezed is KEY here! Bottled lemon juice just doesn't have the same zing.
Combine Everything: In a large pitcher, combine the strained dulse water, the cooled simple syrup, and the fresh lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness to your liking. Add more simple syrup for sweetness or more lemon juice for tartness.
Add Ice and Garnish: Fill glasses with ice and pour the Dulse Lemonade Reef over the ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint, a lemon slice, and a tiny sprinkle of dulse flakes on top for an extra touch of ocean flair. You could even rim the glass with sugar mixed with a tiny bit of crushed dulse for a salty-sweet kick!
Serve and Enjoy: Sip and savor the unique flavors of this ocean-inspired lemonade. It's best enjoyed on a hot day, with a good book, and the sound of waves in the background (optional, but highly recommended!).
📝 Notes
Steeping time for dulse can be adjusted to taste. Start with 2 hours and increase as desired.
For a sweeter lemonade, increase the amount of simple syrup.
Use a high-quality dulse for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
If you can't find dulse, you can try other types of seaweed, such as nori or kombu, but the flavor will be different.
Add a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy lemonade.