I know.
You don’t even have to say it.
We’re smack in the middle of fudge-making and cookie-swapping and I come trampin’ in with a giant pitcher of lemonade. And not just lemonade but ominous, literally black-colored lemonade.
It’s for a reason. Charcoal, and the never-ending detox / retox game. You can wag your finger at me, but really we all know that this wreaks of Gwenyth.
We’re making a simple lemonade, sweetened with pure maple syrup, sprinkled with a dash of sea salt, and we’re stirring in 2 fine teaspoons of activated charcoal. The result is a refreshing and detoxifying beverage.
I know you have some questions. I can’t just go around throwing activated charcoal in our recipes and expect you to just say ok.
What is activated charcoal? Activated charcoal is not (noooo way) barbecue charcoal. Activated charcoal is a heat-treated, very porous charcoal that traps toxins and helps the body flush them out efficiently. Food-grade activated charcoal is often made from wood or coconut shells and comes as a very fine powder. Activated charcoal is used both internally and externally, and treats anything from food poisoning, nausea, gas, and may even help to prevent hangovers.
What does activated charcoal taste like? Charcoal is odorless and tasteless. It makes a big show in a pitcher of lemonade but there is no taste. Tastes just like lemonade!
How do I handle powdered captivated charcoal? Activated charcoal comes in both pill and powder form. I prefer the powder form so I can use it for body scrubs and face masks with, what I think, is greater ease. Activated charcoal can be tricky in its powder form. Because it’s a very fine powder, activated charcoal can get everywhere fast and easy and it may stain some countertops. Work with this stuff carefully.
• I’ve used this activated charcoal.
Wait… is it safe to eat charcoal? Activated charcoal is a strong detoxifier, but it’s not very good at being selective. If you’re taking oral medications or oral vitamins you want to reap the benefits from, don’t pair it with activated charcoal as this charcoal will bond with the good, the bad, and the ugly in your intestinal track (notice that I said good!). Keep a two hour separation window before and after consuming activated charcoal and medications or vitamins. I don’t drink this lemonade every day, but use it as an occasional morning beverage, before breakfast.
Since I don’t claim to be an expert on activated charcoal, here are some other recourses so you can decide if this lemonade is an experiment you’d like to participate in. I mean… you can brush your teeth with it. There’s a lot going on here. How To Use Activated Charcoal and Charcoal Lemonade dissent.
Super official right?
Never has lemonade been so complicated or intimidating.
Lemonade starts with fresh lemon juice. For more natural sweetness, I added maple syrup. A pinch of sea salt for balance.
Stirred together with 2 teaspoon of charcoal, a small amount for 6 cups of liquid.
Because it’s so fine, charcoal powder wants to get everywhere. I didn’t mean to drop this little spoon and scatter it everywhere. That was an accident. This is the sort of ingredient you prefer not to spill.
Deliciously refreshing (just as lemonade should be), with an added detox kick. It’s a great morning drink, to kick start the day for good.
Coffee is also good for that, but that’s a different story.
Activated Charcoal Lemonade
2015-12-16 16:28:29
- 5 cups filtered water
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup fresh organic lemon juice
- good pinch of sea salt
- 2 teaspoons active charcoal
- In a large pitcher, stir together water, maple syrup, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until thoroughly combined. Carefully stir in the activated charcoal. Serve over ice. Store lemonade in an airtight container in the refrigerator and stir before serving.
By Joy the Baker
Joy the Baker http://joythebaker.com/