Herbsicles

move over popsicles

The word “healthy” typically isn’t associated with popsicles, but it can be! I’ve experimented with various recipes using tea, and now I’m excited to bring you popsicles made from flavored teas. We love our herbal teas and are always searching for new ways to incorporate them into our summertime meals and snacks. For these popsicle recipes, you’ll need a liquid base, and tea or juice works perfectly. You can also make a cream base using coconut milk. Here are a few base recipes that you might want to try.

Green Tea

Rich in antioxidants, green tea may also help improve brain and heart health. Its herbal flavor pairs wonderfully with fruit, making it an excellent choice for fruity tea popsicles. Just keep in mind that green tea does contain caffeine.

Rooibos

Also rich in antioxidants, rooibos may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and support digestive health. It’s also caffeine-free, making it the perfect base for tea popsicles for kids. You can use plain rooibos or try one of the flavored blends.

Kombucha

Full of probiotics and antioxidants, kombucha is another unexpected ingredient to use in homemade healthy popsicles. It is known for its tangy flavor that mellows in frozen treats. Just don’t tell the kids.

Fruit Juice

A classic choice for homemade popsicles, fruit juice is another excellent base. Try to use juices with zero added sugar, or consider making your own. Here again, you can combine the flavors.

Now, to add your herbs to the mix. This is all up to your taste buds, as some herbs can be overpowering. We will call them the easy herbs to use for the best results, for all ages. Mint, basil, lavender, rosemary, lemon balm, and so on. Even edible flowers can be tossed in for the prettiest popsicles! And let’s not forget the fruit! Of course, you’ll need a popsicle mold of some kind; they usually can be found in any store this time of the year. You remember them as a kid, I’m sure.

This recipe today is a cream-based popsicle, my personal favorite. I have a lot of lemon balm, and if you grow it, you know it spreads. Hint: the younger leaves are best. Let’s make some herbsicles!

Lemon Balm Blueberry Herbal Popsicle

• 1 can of full-fat coconut milk

• 1 1/2 cups of blueberries (fresh or frozen)

• 1-2 cups of fresh lemon balm leaf

• 1/2 cup of maple syrup

• Add all ingredients and blend well. (In a blender or smoothie machine )

• Pour the mixture from your blender into the popsicle molds, place the molds on a baking sheet, and freeze for 12-24 hours. Enjoy!