There’s a reason you are craving crisp cool greens, fresh cucumbers, and flavor-rich tomatoes over a greasy burger for lunch. Our bodies naturally want to eat with the seasons, and when it is hot outside cooling foods like melons, zucchinis, peppers, and leafy greens hit the physiological spot.
“Our bodies adjust to the temperature we live in so a diet reflective of the season is important in maintaining optimal health. In addition to local fruits and vegetables, herbs such as mint, oregano and basil that thrive at this time of the year are great seasonal choices,” says Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Lisa Kilgour.
Unfortunately, this wisdom of the ages which weaves its way through practices like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine doesn’t always align with modern-day fads or our preferences for animal or plant based, low fat or low carbohydrate diets.
“Even the Dalai Lama who is a vegetarian occasionally eats meat for good health. Most people’s constitutions cannot tolerate raw foods in January when it is cold. Likewise in the summer with the heat we need to adjust our diets,” says Kilgour.
The science (biochemistry) of it is external influences like cooling and warming foods impact us at a cellular level, a delicate balance affecting our mood and energy levels.
A healthier pocketbook too!
The good news, great news is there is also a dramatic difference in the price of produce when you buy in season. Cucumbers in January are more expensive, cucumbers in July and August, deliciously affordable. So why not save on the apples knowing they’ll be ripe for consumption in September and instead enjoy the abundance of cherries and other delicious stone fruits like peaches and apricots this summer.
“Seasonal, local produce will generally be less expensive than imported and out of season fruits and vegetables, plus you are supporting local farmers,” says in-house Chef Nick Johnston, who plans our very own Apple Bistro menus accordingly.
Chef Nick reminds us that seasonal products are also at the height of taste and flavor. Our summer cookbook is a great place to start if you are looking for seasonal recipes. From Pavlova, a meringue-based dessert that incorporates your favorite local, seasonal fruits, to a phyllo pastry stacked with summer vegetables and goat cheese, you’ll enjoy cooking with the best of fresh summer produce.
