Seasonal Eating: Summer Guide & An Herby Recipe

My personal journey into seasonal eating all started because I wanted to learn about nature. When I was a kid, connecting with the energies stored in the trunks of the trees I climbed after school saved me from the drama of middle school. The deeper I let my imagination dance with the rhythms of nature, the more I felt connected with the world around me. Little did I know that I was learning to build roots through grounding. I wish we still relied on that connection. I wish we still picked fresh berries, and what we now think of as weeds, to nourish ourselves. Seasonal eating gives us a sense of connection to the natural world and its cycles. It reminds us of our interdependence with the environment and the importance of honoring the changing seasons. By aligning our diets with nature's rhythms, we develop a greater appreciation for the Earth's resources and the role they play in nourishing our bodies.

Questioning Where our Food Comes From

While we do have a wide variety of fruits and veggies at our fingertips, many of our farming and transportation practices are questionable for the nutrient quality. Ideally we’d like our diets to be diverse as we’d like them to be, and grown as close to our region as possible. This could be the region you live, or have roots from. An abundance of options surround us from online retailers, to local CSA delivery, to regular grocery stores. Eating seasonally supports local agriculture, small farms and reduces the carbon footprint associated with food production and transportation. Being mindful of food sources promotes a more eco-friendly and sustainable food system.

As we come out of the pandemic, a significant number of individuals are actively striving for a heightened sense of connectivity and mindfulness in their lives. Embracing the wisdom of seasonal eating, homesteading, and gardening has become increasingly popular. It’s encouraging to see the number of people showing greater consideration for food systems, and the ethical and economic impacts of each purchase.

Book Recommendation: Where Our Food Comes From by Gary Paul Nabhan

What is Seasonal Eating and “Local”?

Seasonal eating is simple —it's all about enjoying food that's freshly harvested in your local area. It's normal for communities worldwide who grow everything they put on the table. Imagine having an understanding of the ebb and flow of the growing year, knowing exactly which crops dance their way into each season. It's not just fun information to have, it's literally a matter of survival that many of us have lost. Our bodies have different nutritional needs throughout the year. Seasonal eating allows us to adapt our diets to meet those needs. For example, in the summer, we naturally crave lighter and hydrating foods, while in the colder months, we seek warmth and comfort.

Now, the term "local" can be a bit flexible, but in general, it refers to food grown in your own town, state or country. Broader definitions would include close international neighbors to the United States like Mexico. The more local the more seasonal you will be eating. Local equals fresher, tastier, and more aromatic compared to foods that are out of season or have traveled long distances. You’re also more likely to find unique heirloom varieties that can be more colorful and heartier than regular varieties. The flavors of local foods are often more vibrant, making cooking and eating more enjoyable, from prep to post-meal nap.

Embrace the fresh flavors and abundant produce of summer with a few reminders about summer seasonal eating

Load up on Fresh Fruits: Indulge in juicy watermelons, refreshing berries, succulent peaches, and tangy citrus fruits. These fruits are not only delicious but also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your overall health. Make yourself a delicious bowl of fruit salad with herbs like mint, basil & dill to refresh your palette.

Celebrate Colorful Vegetables: Think crisp cucumbers, sweet corn, flavorful tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and leafy greens. These veggies are not only nutritious but also add vibrancy and texture to your meals. Ratatouille, roasted veggie quarters with chimichurri (recipe below), and soups!

Opt for Light and Refreshing Meals: Enjoy salads packed with leafy greens, crunchy veggies, and grilled protein. Experiment with chilled soups like gazpacho or refreshing fruit salads. Incorporate cooling herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro.

Hydrate with Infused Water and Herbal Teas: Stay hydrated throughout the summer by infusing your water with slices of fresh fruits, herbs, or cucumber. This adds a hint of flavor and encourages you to drink more water. Additionally, opt for herbal teas like hibiscus or mint, which are naturally refreshing and hydrating.

Grill and Savor the Outdoors: Take advantage of the warm weather and fire up the grill, or use your oven’s broil setting. Grilling adds a smoky layer of flavor to your meals while keeping them light and healthy. Enjoy grilled vegetables, fish, and plant-based options like tofu or tempeh. Adding marinades or fresh sauces like this salsa brava are a great way to make a simple meal delicious.

Indulge Mindfully: Summer treats like ice cream, popsicles, or frozen yogurts are hard to resist, and honestly why should you. It’s a good time of year to indulge occasionally because the digestive fire is strongest in the summer months. Savor your treats, eat mindfully, and choose options made with quality ingredients and less added sugar. Personal favorites are Coolhaus’s Dairy Free and Gluten Free Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Sammie which I get at Whole Foods & So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk Frozen Dessert Bar, Vanilla Bean, with No Sugar.

Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

• 3 tsp fresh oregano, or 1 teaspoon dried oregano (I add way more)

• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 serrano or jalapeno pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the chopped parsley, cilantro, and minced garlic.

2. Add the red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil to the bowl.

3. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using).

4. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

5. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.

6. Let the chimichurri sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together (I know it’s awhile, the longer the better).

Remember, the key is to embrace the spirit of summer and to enjoy the bounty of the season. Listen to your body's cravings, experiment with new recipes and textures, and enjoy the colorful flavors that this vibrant season has to offer.