Refreshing Watermelon Fruit Juice

Summer is in full swing, and August tends to be one of the hottest months for the Chicagoland area. Along with the plants in our gardens, our bodies need water to cool and feel our best. The human body is approximately 90 percent water, and with summer heat, hydration is vital for our health.

Watermelon, a large fruit related to other melons, as well as the cucumber, is comprised of almost 91 percent water and gives our bodies a boost in hydration. It’s also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, copper, vitamin B5, vitamin A, the amino acid citrulline and lycopene, an antioxidant.

Other fruits in this recipe, along with beets, give this fresh juice a boost of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to help the body stay hydrated.

Yield: 4, 8-oz servings

1 lime, peeled and juiced

1 pineapple, peeled and cut

4 cups cubed watermelon

¼ beet, chopped

1 tsp rose water

Basil or mint to taste (optional)