Autumn & Winter: Getting Grounded with Seasonal Produce
by amy lupton
For thousands of years, humans have relied on certain foods to nourish the body, mind and soul.
Before the modern technology of refrigeration, and the availability of eating food from all over the world...our ancestors only choice was to eat what was grown in the region around them. This might seem extreme now, given the 24/7 nature available now to all modern societies.
Humans are more connected with our food supply than we might think. The natural cycle of the sun and the way that plants grow is in sync with your body's needs.
Fall Produce brings abundance and harvest. Plants that grow abundantly during this time are roots such as carrots, sweet potatoes, greens just to name a few, along with transitioning fruits such pear, pomegranate, apple and citrus. These help to hydrate the body and give much needed minerals that are lacking that we need heading into the cold months.
How to Eat Seasonally:
In our area, in the Hill Country of Texas, the majority of the year is warm and humid. So cooling foods such as fruit and water rich vegetables are a must in this region, and they grow abundantly here.
In the fall/winter months, greens such as kale, collard greens, broccoli, and even chicken eggs (rich in omega-3's, vitamin d) are good to incorporate in. Vitamin D & minerals in these foods help with seasonal depression, and supporting the immune system for health against the common cold and flu.
It is wonderful to pay attention to your region and the typical weather in order to think about proper seasonal eating for yourself and your family.
Your local farmers and farmer's markets are amazing resources as well, they will typically be growing what is in season for your area.
We can't advocate local seasonal eating enough. It supports your local economy, your local farmers and small businesses, and keeps what you're eating fresh.
To find what foods grow in your state according to month, check this site out: Seasonal Food Guide
Autumn & Winter Foods
To balance the seasonal energetics of warm going to cold: focus on balancing warmth, spice, nutrient dense vegetables & proteins with fresh greens, fall fruits such as pomegranate, pear, apple and citrus.
Nourishing broths & soups, hydrating herbal teas (warm or iced), and immune boosting spices feed our physical well being during this time.
Some seasonal foods to highlight are:
Root Veggies (carrot, sweet potato, potato, beets)
Squash, Okra
Greens & Lettuces
Broccoli & Brussels
Leeks & Onions
Thyme, Sage, Bay, Ginger and Tumeric
Broth Bones & Proteins (choose high quality & grass fed if possible)
Chai & Herbal Tea Blends
Fall Fruits such as pomegranate, pear, apple, and citrus
all the seasonal tips in one place
Checkout our seasonal guides for tips, recipes, and inspiration for each season.