Autumn is approaching, at least for those of us with discernible seasons. Though days here in Durango, Colorado, are still reaching the 90s, nights and mornings are cool and the sun is getting lower in the sky. Whether you love pumpkin spice and changing leaves or struggle with the shortening daylight hours, a great way to mark the seasonal change is to make your own natural perfume blend for the fall.
Many folks get gardening on the brain as spring kicks in, but did you know that fall is a fantastic time to start or add to your medicinal plant garden? Growing your own medicine is one of the more empowering things you can do while also adding a bit of beauty to your life.
If you’re not sure where to start, no worries! Here are a few considerations on what to put in your medicinal plant garden…
As the evenings wind down earlier with the falling sun and the nights become cooler, autumn is upon us. And with fall comes the wonderful flavors of the season…generally revolving around pumpkin spice or the bite of a fresh, crisp apple.
I woke up the morning before last and it felt like autumn. Sure, it’s still quite warm during the day here in Durango, but something about the light and the cool morning air signaled the imminent arrival of the colder months here at higher elevations.
What is it about peanuts? Most of us love nuts, even to excess, and peanuts seem to hold a special place. But before you make a batch of peanut butter cookies, give this spiced peanut soup with kale a try. It contains ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now, comes together quickly, and is rich in interesting flavor.
I love eating seasonally, and when fall rolls around, that means eating more mushrooms. There are three adaptogenic mushrooms I particularly like to incorporate into my diet: chaga, reishi and shiitake. Find out what makes these mushrooms so special, along with fun ways to incorporate them into your day.
When you’re trying to eat healthy, one of the smartest things you can do is meal plan. Part of meal planning includes choosing dishes that can use the same ingredients so you don’t end up wasting food or having just a little bit of one thing left over.
As we progress through November, it is easy to think that the harvest season is over. There are many plants, however, that are still ready to harvest and make a great addition to your fall larder. Acorns and wintergreen are mostly found in deciduous forests such as those found on the East Coast of North America; however, you can find different varieties of the same plants in many places. For instance, the greatest acorn producing oak tree on the east coast is the white oak, whereas the scrub oak is prevalent in the Rocky Mountain region.
Looking to add something healthy and a little sweet to your fall table? How about a spiced fruit salad? And even if you’re thinking not another fruit salad, keep reading, because this is not your average fruit salad. Inspired by the classic fruit chaat common in India and Pakistan, this fruit salad has spicy, tangy South Asian flair. Whether you add it to your breakfast, brunch, dinner, or holiday table, it’s sure to wow.
Are you curious about what it means to follow an Ayurvedic diet? Ayurvedic food is about balancing and healing. In practice, eating the Ayurvedic way involves being mindful of seasonality while also considering your body type, or dosha.