I celebrated the beginning of this past weekend by expressing a bit of creativity in the kitchen. With a garden full of fresh mint, a craving for jasmine green tea and a few new vegetables lingering in the basket, I decided to steep something new to excite my palate.
After I gathered the mint, I took a long look at last week's Headhouse Sqaure Farmers' Market produce still lingering, and noticed my newly acquired Cucumber Melon (shown above) that I had yet to try. This vegetable, known to be a bit sweeter than a traditional cucumber, is from Three Springs Fruit Farm, which has been family owned and operated for over 100 years in Wenksville, PA.
Tempted to add a unique twist to the weekend iced tea, I decided to make a Cucumber Melon Simple Syrup. Slightly sweet, super refreshing and just a tad savory, this syrup will add a fabulous flavor complexity.
After steeping the Grand Jasmin green tea from American Tea Room (which is incredibly fragrant), I added the bright bits of refreshing mint to the pitcher. After the tea cooled, I placed the pitcher in the fridge and patiently waited for the tea to cool to an iced tea sip. The sweet notes of the mint balanced the savory notes of the cucumber melon simple syrup and the coppery flavors of the Jasmine. The astringent, grassy notes of the green tea blended perfectly with the refreshing cucumber and mint.
Each delightful sip highlighted the beautiful flavors of summer that I am so desperately trying to hold on to as fall air creeps in. Take the time to steep your last iced sip and soak in summer.
Many thanks to Three Springs Fruit Farm for introducing me to the delicious cucumber melon. Maybe next week I'll pick up a few of their aromatic white peaches to steep with a delicate white tea...
Cucumber Melon Simple Syrup
2 cups water
1 large cucumber melon (sliced into 1/4 inch pieces)
4oz agave Agave syrup (I recommend that you carefully taste the hot liquid as you cook to reach your preferred level of sweetness)1. Add
water, agave and slices of cucumber melon to a saucepan and bring mixture to a
boil. Stir. Reduce heat and continue stirring until the agave
has
dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and let steep for approximately 30 minutes.
3. Allow syrup to cool and then add to your tea.
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