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LATE SUMMER
Late summer is full of wonderful voluptuousness, roundness, contentment and satisfaction, the flowers have died back and the fruits are ripening ready for harvest time
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Late Summer Harvesting
Late summer is associated with the Earth element in the Chinese five elements. The Earth element is all about nourishment, nurturing, and getting the best from our food. It is linked to the stomach and spleen organs and meridians and so is all about taking in new information, thoroughly ‘chewing’ it, understanding it and putting in into effect, it is therefore about digestion on all levels. It is also about the feminine qualities of caring: mothering, nurturing and giving nourishment; we can easily equate this to Mother Earth and how she always strives to provide the very best for all her ‘children’. With this analogy it is easy then to make the link to this time of year when we can clearly see the Earth element in all her wonderful glory parading her produce in the harvest. This is nature demonstrating her sense of completion and achievement after a year’s hard work.
Late summer is associated with the Earth element in the Chinese five elements. The Earth element is all about nourishment, nurturing, and getting the best from our food. It is linked to the stomach and spleen organs and meridians and so is all about taking in new information, thoroughly ‘chewing’ it, understanding it and putting in into effect, it is therefore about digestion on all levels. It is also about the feminine qualities of caring: mothering, nurturing and giving nourishment; we can easily equate this to Mother Earth and how she always strives to provide the very best for all her ‘children’. With this analogy it is easy then to make the link to this time of year when we can clearly see the Earth element in all her wonderful glory parading her produce in the harvest. This is nature demonstrating her sense of completion and achievement after a year’s hard work.
Late Summer Eating
That delicious feeling of contentment from a full stomach and the security of a full larder for the long winter months ahead epitomises the essence of this time of year. We are in the Earth element time of the year so nourishment and digestion on all levels comes to the fore; meaning that it’s not just time to consider our diet but also what nourishes our mind and spirit and makes us feel good.
In nature the energy at this time of year has transformed from the showiness of summer into the softer fruitfulness of late summer; the final ripening is taking place. In terms of seasonal eating this time of year has such a lot to offer from stuffed squashes to blackberry and apple crumble, nature is bursting with her harvest. There is plenty to choose from; sweetcorn, apples, squashes, cabbage, spinach, courgettes are just a few of my favourite.
So what does this seasonal change mean for how we eat?
That delicious feeling of contentment from a full stomach and the security of a full larder for the long winter months ahead epitomises the essence of this time of year. We are in the Earth element time of the year so nourishment and digestion on all levels comes to the fore; meaning that it’s not just time to consider our diet but also what nourishes our mind and spirit and makes us feel good.
In nature the energy at this time of year has transformed from the showiness of summer into the softer fruitfulness of late summer; the final ripening is taking place. In terms of seasonal eating this time of year has such a lot to offer from stuffed squashes to blackberry and apple crumble, nature is bursting with her harvest. There is plenty to choose from; sweetcorn, apples, squashes, cabbage, spinach, courgettes are just a few of my favourite.
So what does this seasonal change mean for how we eat?
- It is time to shift our light summer diet towards a bit more density so maybe introducing heavier protein and fat foods, whole grains, seeds, nuts and beans
- Cut back on raw foods and start introducing warming foods again, light vegetable and grain soups are a good place to star
- As the weather cools you can introduce warming herbal teas using fresh mint, rosemary or fennel
- Finally I always think squashes have perfect late summer energy; providing more sustainable energy than lighter summer foods but not quite as dense as the heavier winter roots. Their stunning colours and decorative appeal also perfectly illustrates the richness of the season, nourishing all the senses.
Try this stretch to connect with the energy of the harvest time
Health Tip - Emotional Stress Release
This is a very simple way to allow your body to let go of stresses and strains that can get in the way of everyday life. You can hold the points yourself, or ask a friend to hold them for you whilst you relax after a hectic day.
This is a very simple way to allow your body to let go of stresses and strains that can get in the way of everyday life. You can hold the points yourself, or ask a friend to hold them for you whilst you relax after a hectic day.
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