SCRUMPTIOUS SIPS OF SUMMER SOLSTICE

WHAT IS THE SUMMER SOLSTICE?

SOLSTICE (Latin: solstitium) means “sun –stopping”. The point on the horizon where the sun appears to rise and set, stops and reverses direction after this day. On the solstice, the sun does not rise precisely in the east, but rises to the north of the east and sets to the north of the west, meaning it’s visible in the sky for a longer period of time.

JUNE SOLSTICE IN ANCIENT TIMES:

In ancient times, the date of the June solstice was an important source to help people manage their calendar and organize when to plant and harvest crops. This time of the year was also a traditional month for weddings. The traditions of the summer solstice center on the life-giving forces of fire and light. Some countries light huge bonfires which glow into the night as a way to celebrate. The mid-summer fires came to be known as St. John’s fires. People would gather around the fires singing, dancing and chanting charms. Herbs and larkspur were tossed into the dying fires with the words (may the ill luck depart and burn up with these). As the morning approached and the fire was reduced to ash, people walked through them to bring good luck.

SUMMER SOLSTICE FOOD: If you have never taken the time to celebrate the summer solstice, make it a point to throw a simple, stylish party on the longest the day of the year.

Treat your guests to refreshing beverages, such as sparkling water, iced tea, lemonade, fruit and berry flavored drinks and serve some savory little bites inspired dishes from fresh produce.

And if you need help then here are some good tips:

BASIL SPARK:

1 CELERY STICK

4 TOMATOES

2 APPLES

20 BASIL LEAVES

1 TBSP LIME JUICE

ICE

TRIM THE CELERY STICK AND BLEND EVERYTHING TOGETHER.

WATERMELON AND STRAWBERRY SPLASH:

200 GM STRAWBERRIES

200 GM WATERMELON

A FEW MINT LEAVES

ICE CUBES

JUICE AND TEAM THE INGREDIENTS AND BLEND TO SPLASH.

SKIN LOVERS:

2 TOMATOES (PEELED)

250 ML ORANGE JUICE

15 ML GINGER JUICE

30 ML LEMON JUICE

ICE CUBES

BLEND IT WELL AND GET READY TO FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR SKIN.

Contributed by Shumaila Zafar.