Thirst-Quenching Tomato Drink

Tomatoes are a cooling food with a reputation for quenching thirst. Perfect for the summer heat!

4 medium-size juicy tomatoes, cut in chunks
Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime
Dash herbal salt such as Herbamare (spicy) or cayenne pepper
1/2 cup (125 ml) buttermilk or whey
1/2 clove garlic (optional), minced
1/2 tsp (2 ml) fresh basil, coarsely chopped

In a blender, blend all ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate and serve chilled.

Variation: You can also use canned tomato juice. Mix half tomato juice, half buttermilk or whey, and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.

Whey is the liquid remaining after making kefir, quark or cheese. Instead of throwing it out, use it to substitute liquids in baking, stir it into refreshing summer drinks or add it to soups for added nutrition and a slightly sour taste. Serves two.

Source: alive #238, August 2002