Savoring the End of Summer Flavors
This time of year can feel like a kiss from the earth – providing sweet, juicy produce ripe with nutrients to enjoy during warm, sunshine filled days and cool, calming nights. It’s like an ode to the end of summer and one that we look forward to savoring.
Following Dr. Graves’ seasonal eating approach, it can be easy and fun to delight in the abundance nature gives us as we edge towards fall, so visit a local farmer’s market or grocer and stock up on the delicious produce!
Here are a few ways to savor the season:
Tomato Tasting
You or someone in your family not a fan of tomatoes? It may be because you (or them) haven’t found the right one!
One of our families finds joy by having “tastings.” To do this, slice a variety of tomatoes (such as cherry, beefsteak, and heirloom or grocery store versus farmer’s market) and let everyone discover which ones they love most.
Peaches and Protein
Forget dessert, peaches can add just the right amount of sweetness to every course!
We love pairing these beauties (particularly those from Palisade, Colorado) with protein for a beautiful summer twist on the usual.
Some ways to do this are:
- an Appetizer of Sliced Peaches Skewered with Prosciutto and a Basil Leaf (top with a splash of balsamic reduction if preferred)
- a Salad Course of Arugula, Peaches, Goat Cheese, and Basil (grill sliced peaches for even more depth to the dish)
- a Main Dish of Chicken Thighs and Peaches
Get Corny
Yep, we went there. Corn this time of year can be a fun way to enjoy a touch of sweetness without added sugars. Simply A-MAIZE-ING!
Here are some recipes to get you started:
- Charred Corn Salad with Basil and Tomato
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Creamy Corn, Zucchini, and Bacon Chowder (a bit indulgent but a delicious treat!)
Embrace Fresh Herbs
Hats off to herbs as they are some of the most scrumptious flavors of the earth! Although we can use many of them dried throughout the entire year, spice up your palette by including fresh ones at the end-of-summer.
A few ideas are:
Basil – make homemade pesto to top off vegetable soup or add it to
Panzanella Salad with Mozzarella and Herbs
Chives – sprinkle on top of scrambled eggs or add to a dish such as
Kale and White Bean Pot Pie with Chive Biscuits
Mint – use it to jazz up infused fruit waters or diced watermelon salad as well as
preparing a fresh side such as Classic Tabbouleh
Cilantro – add cilantro to such soup as Yucatan-Style Chicken and Rice Soup
Inspired to use summer’s harvest to liven up your diet? With all the colors and flavors the season offers, it’s time to eat up. Don’t wait until they’re gone!
Does living a naturopathic lifestyle speak to you? If so, and you are looking for a doctor who can support your mental and physical wellbeing, please call us at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule a 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Graves to see if he and the CNMA office are a good fit for your health needs.
The CNMA office provides naturopathic care, testing, massage, and holistic counseling to those in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, and the greater Denver metro area. For those outside of these areas, virtual appointments are available.
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