Autumn is here again. As a designer, I particularly love autumn because you can layer your clothes and wear your favorite knits and coats. Coziness abounds. But autumn is also a magical time to look inward, to assess, to let go of wastes and the non essential, and to tune into the rhythm. Eating with the season is a great way to stay in sync, and autumn presents a great opportunity to really enjoy nourishing foods.
In autumn there is increased cooling and drying. Watery fruits and vegetables give way to the drier ones such as carrots, potatoes, and seeds in all varieties. We also need more concentrated energy in the cooler autumn weather, and the denser foods such as the root vegetables (including garlic, onion, carrot, potato, and sweet potato), and dense squashes and gourds (including squash, acorn squash, and pumpkin). Also the dry, energy-rich nuts and seeds (including walnuts and sunflower seeds) are great choices for fall.
Because the weather is cooling off, it is best to avoid food that is cooling such as salads and raw foods. You need longer cooking time and heartier ingredients are used to nourish the body and boost the immune system. Eat stews and soups.
AND did you know autumn is associated with the lungs? So, eating foods that nourish the lungs and promote good breathing during this season is in order. A few examples are ginger, onion, cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower), pomegranates, turmeric, apples, red peppers, beans, seeds, and nuts.
Here is a list of great foods for this season to add to your shopping list:
Squash
Acorn squash
Pumpkins
Broccoli
Brussel sprouts
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Garlic
Onions
Fennel
Autumn Greens
Arugula
Radicchio
Peppers
Sweet Potatoes
Mushrooms
Apples
Pears
Asian Pears
Persimmons
Pomegranates
Cranberries
Parsnips
Radishes
Ginger
Walnuts
Rice
Cardamon
Almonds
Cucumber
Celery
Mustard Greens
Eggs
Bananas
Olives
Yoghurt
Lemons
Lime
Grapefruit
Plums
Grapes
Leeks
Tumeric
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