University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Infused water stations: Start with the basics

Infused water

Infused water is a great way to increase student engagement and support school wellness. Use these tips to get started!

First, remember that plain water must always be available to students. Infused water can only be offered in addition to plain water, not in place of it.

What should you do for great tasting infused water?

  • Start with 2-3 cups of produce per gallon of water. Experiment with more less produce to change the intensity of flavor.
  • Keep in mind that cucumbers, citrus fruits, melons, and mint flavor water quite quickly, but can be soaked for up to 4 hours. Apples, cinnamon, fresh ginger root, and rosemary need an overnight soak in the fridge.
  • Want to include herbs? Tear leafy herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro. They can also be crushed or muddled for a more intense flavor. More fibrous herbs and spices should always be crushed or muddled.
  • Experiment with different ways of slicing softer fruits like citrus and strawberries. Thinner and smaller pieces will impart a stronger flavor to the water. Harder fruits like apples should always be sliced thinly, as they take longer to infuse water with their flavor.

What about appearance and quality?

  • Melons and strawberries can get waterlogged after a few hours. Citrus and whole berries tend to hold up better over time.
  • After a few hours, citrus rinds can make water taste bitter. Soak citrus for up to 4 hours, then remove the fruit and add fresh slices for a nicer appearance.
  • Crushed herbs can be contained in a cheesecloth to prevent them from getting into students' water cups. Larger leaves can still be added to the water for appearance.
  • Don't be afraid to use slightly blemished or imperfect produce, as long as it doesn't have visible mold. This is a great way to decrease food waste.

Don't forget about food safety!

  • Always wash produce before slicing!
  • Infused water can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Or, add ice to keep water cold for longer periods of time. After that, put in the fridge to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Infused water should be enjoyed within 24 hours. Or, solids can be strained out and the water may be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Need some easy recipe ideas to hit the ground running? Check out the next post in this series!