May is National Strawberry Month! To celebrateUmstead Hotel and Spa in Cary Sous Chef Greg Gettles shared the recipe with us for Strawberry Chrysanthemum Elixir.

This drink blends the immunity-boosting Vitamin C of strawberries with calcium and potassium-rich Chrysanthemum tea – which also acts as a natural coolant to bring down body heat.

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Strawberry Chrysanthemum Elixir Recipe (Yields ½ gallon)
                          
Ingredients:                      

  • 2 quarts water – simmering
    • 2 cups strawberries – quartered
      • 1 cup strawberry puree
        • 1 thumb ginger – peeled, sliced
          • 1 stalk lemongrass – sliced
            • 1 cup dried chrysanthemum flower
              • 2 lemons – juiced
                • 1 cup honey

                  Directions:
                  In a large pot combine water, strawberry, strawberry puree, ginger, lemongrass, and bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes, then add chrysanthemum flowers and remove from heat. Allow to steep for 10 minutes, then whisk in lemon juice and honey. Strain through a fine sieve and cool.