When the temperatures climb like they are this week in Illinois and surrounding areas, it's tempting to retreat indoors with the air conditioner running full blast. But herbs have been helping people stay cool, hydrated, and refreshed for centuries and are worth a try. Whether you're sipping a glass of herbal iced tea, adding cooling herbs to your meals, or harvesting from your garden in the early morning, herbs can make even the hottest summer days more enjoyable.
Cool from the Inside Out
Many herbs have naturally refreshing flavors that make them perfect for
summer drinks.
Mint
Perhaps the king of cooling herbs, mint creates a refreshing sensation
thanks to its natural menthol. Add fresh sprigs to water, lemonade, iced tea,
or fruit salads. Mint also makes an excellent herbal tea that's just as
delicious served over ice.
Lemon Balm
With its gentle lemon aroma and calming qualities, lemon balm is
wonderful for stressful, hot afternoons. Brew it into an iced tea or combine it
with mint for a refreshing summer blend.
Hibiscus
Lavender
A small amount of lavender adds a floral touch to lemonade or iced tea.
Just a little goes a long way, creating an elegant summer beverage perfect for
entertaining.
Add Herbs to Summer Meals
Heavy meals can feel overwhelming in hot weather. Fresh herbs brighten
lighter dishes and add plenty of flavor without extra salt.
Try adding:
- Basil to tomato salads and pasta. We love to slice tomato and cucumber and spread them on a plate. Sprinkle them with our Greek Blend and drizzle with olive oil and/or balsamic vinegar. Cool, refreshing and filled with summer goodness.
- Dill to
cucumber salads and yogurt dips.
- Parsley to
grain bowls and potato salad, perfect with our Summer only Potato Salad Seasoning.
- Chives over
grilled vegetables.
- Cilantro in
fresh salsa and tacos.
Herbs allow simple seasonal produce to shine.
Make Your Own Cooling Infused Water
Skip sugary drinks and make a naturally flavored herbal water.
Some favorite combinations include:
- Mint + cucumber
- Lemon balm +
lemon slices
- Basil +
strawberries
- Lavender +
blueberries
- Rosemary +
orange slices
- Borage + cucumber
Let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for several hours before
serving over ice.
Zesty Citrus Cooler (Made with Zesty Lemon Tea)
- 2 Tbsp Backyard Patch Zesty Lemon Tea
- 2 cups hot water
- 4 cups cold water
- Lime slices
- Lemon slices
- Cucumber ribbons
- Mint
Brew tea in two cups water and allow to steep 15 minutes. Add cold water along with lemon, lime and cucumber and allow to chill several hours. Then serve with ice and a sprig of mint. Perfect after gardening or spending time outdoors.
Harvest Smart During Hot Weather
Summer heat can be tough on herbs too.
For the best flavor:
- Harvest early
in the morning.
- Water deeply
rather than frequently.
- Mulch around
plants to keep roots cool.
- Pinch flowers
on leafy herbs like basil and mint to encourage fresh growth.
- Dry herbs
indoors where temperatures are moderate.
A little care keeps your herb garden productive throughout the hottest
months.
Herbs Beyond the Kitchen
Cooling herbs aren't limited to food and drinks.
Fresh herbs can also be used to make:
- Herbal facial mists
- Cooling foot soaks
- Bath sachets
- Refreshing
linen sprays
- Homemade herbal ice cubes for beverages
These simple projects help you enjoy your harvest in new ways while
making hot summer days feel a bit more comfortable.
Stay Cool Naturally
Summer doesn't have to mean simply enduring the heat. Herbs bring fresh
flavors, beautiful aromas, and cooling refreshment to everyday life. Whether
you're harvesting from your own garden or picking up a bundle at the market,
there's always another delicious way to let herbs help you beat the heat.
So pour yourself a glass of iced herbal tea, head outside in the early
morning to gather a few sprigs from the garden, and enjoy one of the season's
greatest gifts—fresh herbs at their peak.
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