nourishing your warmth in the winter
As the Utah winter rolls in, it’s time to get serious about warmth and comfort. Beyond cozy blankets and crackling fires, our bodies crave nourishment that not only satisfies our taste buds but also nourishes our ‘inner fire’- the heat we generate through metabolism, transformation, mindset, and elemental connection. In this post, we'll delve into a world of foods, herbs, and spices that bring the much-needed warmth to our winter adventures.
From Deep In The Earth
Winter is the season of root vegetables, nature's hearty treasures that thrive in colder climates. Carrots, sweet potatoes, parsnips, and turnips are not only rich in essential nutrients but also carry a grounding, earthy flavor that adds depth to winter dishes. Roast them with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of rosemary for a comforting side dish that embodies the essence of the season.
Remember that Winter is ruled by the element of Earth- so those plants, like root veggies, that thrive and harmonize with this deep, dark, cold energetic are just the medicine we want to consider this time of year.
Cinnamon Makes Winter Worthwhile
No winter culinary journey is complete without the aromatic embrace of cinnamon. This versatile spice not only adds warmth to sweet treats like apple pie and cinnamon rolls but also pairs remarkably well with savory dishes. Sprinkle cinnamon on roasted butternut squash or stir it into a simmering pot of chili for a hint of sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
Cinnamon can also be added to many seasonal herbal teas- I love a simple herbal tea blend of Chamomile (grown right here in my herb garden in Salt Lake City) and Cinnamon. The dried apple flavor of vibrant Chamomile with a bit of Cinnamon Bark is like a floral apple pie that warms from head to toe.
Ginger: Fuel For Your Fire
Ginger, with its zesty and slightly spicy profile, is a winter warrior in the realm of herbs and spices. Whether incorporated into a steaming cup of ginger tea or minced into a stir-fry, ginger brings a comforting heat that warms you from the inside out. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties are an added bonus during the cold and flu season.
As an herb with some Fire, Ginger helps the body to increase inner warmth while opening the pores to let that warmth project outward- this protects us from the invasion of cold.
Nutmeg Magic
Nutmeg, with its warm and slightly sweet flavor, is a winter spice that often takes center stage in both sweet and savory dishes. Add a pinch to your winter soups or sprinkle it over a cup of hot cocoa for an extra layer of warmth. Freshly grated nutmeg elevates dishes with its distinct aroma, creating a sense of winter elegance in every bite.
I also love Nutmeg in its whole form as a charm of warming protection to hang over the stove or fireplace.
Cayenne & Other Spicy Peppers
If you're looking to kick up the temperature a notch, cayenne peppers are your culinary allies. Whether in the form of cayenne, chili flakes, or fresh jalapeños, these fiery additions bring a burst of heat that stimulates the senses. Add them to stews, sauces, or even hot chocolate for a surprising twist that will have you feeling cozy and invigorated.
Soups & Broths
Winter is synonymous with hearty soups and stews that simmer on the stove, filling the air with enticing aromas. Incorporate warming spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric into your broth for an extra layer of comfort. Load your soups with seasonal vegetables, legumes, and grains to create a wholesome and nourishing experience that banishes the winter chill.
You can get creative and work in many medicinal, warming herbs to soups and stocks. I love tossing a few slices of Astragalus Root, some bits of dried Reishi Mushroom, Thyme and Oregano, Bay Leaf, a Pepper (or five!), and Nettle to my fave seasonal brews.
If you run constitutionally cold; you get colder easily, have a hard time warming up, struggle with circulation, mood, lethargy, chronic pain, or other ‘earthy’ conditions, warming herbs could be a great way to start calling in some therapeutic fire. As an herbalist practicing here in Salt Lake City, Utah where our winters can get real serious, I love considering ways we can stay warm all winter long with the help of our plant allies.
