Ginger and star anise lend deep, warm flavor to this peachy chilled soup. Serve it as a first course or appetizer, a light lunch or summer entre, or even as a dessert.

3 cups filtered water
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup raw, local honey
One 2-inch piece of ginger, chopped
2 whole star anise
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced

Combine the water, sugar, honey, ginger, star anise and lemon zest in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, while stirring, until sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in the lemon juice and peaches. Process with an immersion blender (or working in batches with a blender) until smooth. Place in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours before serving.

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Beat the Heat: Herbal Inspirations to Beat the Summer Heat
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