5 Seasons
You have likely heard of seasonal eating from your favourite farm-to-table restaurant. In grade school you learned about the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Yet, one season is missing, the late harvest. Working with me, you’ll discover how the cycle of five seasons keep our bodies and minds in better harmony and guide powerful changes to our health. Whether you’re in North America or South Africa, each season offers lessons for what you see, feel, and eat.
Spring
Sour
Be fresh. Energy is rising to fuel new passions.
During spring, upward movement from the soil brings forth fresh new leaves and buds. It is a time of change, pursuing passions, and taking on new challenges.
The freshness of spring’s sour flavor found in lemons and barley vinegars, sauerkraut, and sour pickles enlivens our taste buds. Lighter cooking styles assist in the release of proteins and fats stored in the liver during winter.
Summer
Bitter
Be vibrant. Expansive and outward energy drives action.
As the full warmth of summer arrives, we find ourselves being uplifted with the sunshine and rejoicing. It is the season of heart energy.
summer is the time for cooling foods and the bitter flavors of large green leafy vegetables like rocket, watercress, chicory, some lettuces and bok choy. The taste and texture of summer foods blend with a lighter energy for us.
Late Harvest
Sweet
Be prepared. Gently and softly energy retracts.
The late harvest season assists in the transition between intense heat and cold weather. It is the season of preparation for the coming cold weather, a time in which we build our insulation and ensure that colds and flus remain outside the body.
Sweet potatoes, corn, and pumpkins of the late harvest help us build a strong internal body for winter.
Autumn
Pungent
Be calm. Energy is moving inward slowly.
Autumn leaves bring forth gold and orange tones, influencing the foods that will keep us warm through the cooler months. This is when we gather energy inwards and slow down our pace with fresh, cool air.
Autumn’s pungent flavors of garlic, horseradish, mustard and ginger keep organs strong, our bodies warm, and ward off cold and flu.
Winter
Salt
Be still. Deep within the body energy is contemplative.
Winter energy helps us rest, reflect, and prepare for exciting challenges that lay ahead in the coming seasons.
Salty flavors dominate our taste buds in winter. Root vegetables like white onions, cabbage, turnips, celery, and cauliflower warm our immune systems.
