Autumn Ayurvedic Spices

Autumn is a Vatta season! It is cool, crisp, windy, and filled with prana—that’s why we recognize that we can smell the autumn air. Here is a list of spices that pair perfectly with this season’s bountiful fruits and vegetables.

Allspice, anise, cardamom, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg are great for baking. Their warmth and spice bring out the sweetness in baked goods, especially with pumpkin and apple. They can be sprinkled over root vegetables or blended into your coffee.

Saffron brings brightness to any dish. It easily lends flavor to rice, cous cous, or risotto. It pairs well with dill, and my favorite way to use saffron is to stir it into yogurt or crema. It is the perfect touch to Mediterranean recipes.

Turmeric is the earthiest spice. Since autumn is the best time ayurvedically to enjoy fatty proteins, turmeric’s rich, deep yellow color is a welcome addition to egg salad. It also lends color to soups and stews with vegetable stock as their base. My favorite way to incorporate turmeric is in a big bowl of vegetarian chili!

Consult with your physicians before beginning any new healthcare practices or changes to your diet.

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The Health Benefits of Apples

In ayurveda, we eat seasonally. Nothing says autumn like pumpkins… or is it apples? Throughout the month of September, I am offering you ways to incorporate these two ayurvedic powerhouses into your menu. Let’s start with apples.

Apples contain Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like quercetin, catechin, and chlorogenic acid that are good for your brain and immune health. Raw apples help clean your teeth, tongue, and gums. They are rich in fiber and can aid in regularity. They are relatively low in calories (around 50 calories for a small apple) and their natural sugars can give you energy.

The cooling qualities of red apples pacify Pitta doshas, and the tart qualities of granny Smith apples are cleansing for Kapha doshas. But apples don’t agree with everyone; they can aggravate Vata doshas. If you’re a Vata type who longs for apples, consider cooking them down and adding a little cinnamon.

Whether you’re on team pumpkin or team apple, we’ve got you covered. Join our mailing list to receive healthy recipes featuring apples and pumpkin each week in the month of September.

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