Seasonal Eating

One of the ways in which we can better attune ourselves to the cycles of nature is by buying and eating seasonal produce. Not only is it cheaper to buy fruits and vegetables when they are in season, but the produce is also much more flavorful. Since different states and countries have different growing seasons (especially when you think about the Northern and Southern hemispheres), it isn't a bad idea to hop on the internet and search for what is in season in your particular area.

www.nrdc.org allows you to search by state and season.

If you are outside of the US as I am, you can still find information on the internet. No matter where yo uare, one of the best ways to see what is in season is to visit a farmer's market.

For many of us, spring means asparagus and spinach. It also means broccoli, cauliflower, arugula (rocket/roka), peas, spring onions, new potatoes, rhubarb, apricots, strawberries, and cherries. I've been seeing watermelons in Istanbul for weeks. I don't know where they're coming from, but they're already ripe and delicious. What a treat!

Seasonal eating and cooking is good for our bodies and our souls because it helps us tap into the wheel of the year. It is important for us to become aware of our surroundings and see the bounty that the goddess bestows upon us throughout the year, every year.

The goddess provides wonderful things for us. We just need to be able to recognize it. I recommend picking up a good book on wild foods and learning to recognize some of the edible plants that might be growing in your very back yard. However, I do not recommend foraging for wild mushrooms. It is much too risky, and one mistake may be all it takes. Also, if you do wish to forage for wild food such as dandelions and purslane, don't pick anything that is growing close to the road or anything that has been sprayed with pesticide. Wash everything very well.

Talking about the abundance of foods that are provided for us also reminds me of the people on this planet who do not have enough food. It is important that we keep these people in our prayers, and it is also imperative that we help them when we can. If you are able to do so, please make a contribution to your local food bank. And yes, I mean even if it isn't a secular organization! You know who you are... There are also sites on the internet that provide donations of food to the less fortunate. Visit them, and contribute when you can.

Until next time, afiyet olsun.