healthy foods

Are you interested in eating in a way that nourishes you, others, and the planet? If so, the food sovereignty movement is for you. This movement recognizes that food is about more than just physical sustenance; it’s about people, the planet, and nourishing the soul. I recently had the pleasure of talking with food sovereignty champion Mariah Gladstone, who is actively working to restore and advance Native American foodways. Here’s what she had to say about food sovereignty, how you can get involved, and traditional Native American foods. 

Bitter melon is a member of the family Cucurbitaceae or the Cucumber family of the genus Citrullus Schrad, also known as watermelon P, and contains two species. The plant is native to India and regions of Africa and through trade it was introduced to areas of Asia like China and Japan. It then made its way to the Philippine Islands and regions of northern and eastern Europe.

The lively acidic and fermented beverage that we’ve come to know and love as kombucha has become popularized in the U.S.

Pomelo is a member of the family Rutaceae, also known as the Rue family of the genus Citrus L., commonly called citrus P, that contains sixteen species. The fruit is also known as Chinese grapefruit, shaddock, pumelo, pommelo, and pompelmous. It is native to the southeastern regions of Asia and Malaysia and grows wild on the river banks in Fiji and Friendly Islands.

Lychee is a member of the family Sapindaceae, commonly known as the Soapberry family of the genus Litchi Sonn. or lychee P. It is native to the rainforests and mountain forests of southern China and is a dominant species in the region. The plant may also have grown in northern mountain regions of Vietnam.

It is hard balancing an active lifestyle with a full-time job, school, kids’ activities, and everyday errands and still provide your family with healthy food options to promote their growth and development.

Hearts of Palm are a member of the family Arecaceae, commonly known as the Palm family of the genus Sabal Adans. or palmetto P of the species Sabal palmetto (Walter) Lodd. ex Schult. & Schult. f. or cabbage palmetto P. The plant is native to Central America and has been a staple food in those regions for millennia.

Eggplant is a member of the family Solanaceae, commonly known as the Potato family of the genus Solanum L. or nightshade P, in the species Solanum melongena L. called eggplant P. The plant is believed to be native to India and there is Chinese documentation dating back to the 5th century recording agricultural technics in cultivating it.

Grape tomatoes are a member of the family Solanaceae, also known as the Potato family, one of the many species of the genus Solanum L. or Nightshade P.  The plant was developed in Taiwan and was cultivated in North America in 1996 in Manatee County, Florida. By the turn of the 21st century the grape tomato was outselling the cherry tomato ten-to-one where they were available.

Elderberries are a member of the family Caprifoliaceae, commonly known as the Honeysuckle family of the genus Sambucus L. or elderberry P. that contains five species with several subspecies and varieties. The plant grows throughout the world in the temperate zones and the color varies depending on the region. It is a highly nutritious food that contains many beneficial nutrients.