Each season brings its own unique sensory experiences, including weather patterns, scents, and overall ambience, but perhaps most notably, the foods associated with it. Here we are diving into the seasonal offerings spanning from mid-May to mid-July.

While modern transportation has granted us access to a wide array of fruits and vegetables year-round, there's a prevailing notion that consuming foods in sync with their natural seasons holds merit. But how accurate is this claim?

 

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For those acquainted with Ayurveda, the concept of 'Ritucharya' may ring a bell. According to a 2011 study issued in An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda, Ritucharya emphasises adapting our diets and lifestyles to the changing seasons, aligning with the shifts in nature and our own bodies. Following ritucharya could potentially mitigate the impact of seasonal changes on energy levels and gut health, and even complement ongoing treatments for conditions like asthma.

 

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How to Make Most of Seasonal Fruits

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise adults to consume 1.5–2 cups of fruits and 2–3 cups of vegetables daily. Enjoying seasonal fruit teas can be a delightful and refreshing experience. Here are some suggestions to make the most of your seasonal fruit teas:

• Select Fresh and Seasonal Fruits: Choose fruits that are in season for your area to ensure the freshest and most flavourful ingredients. This might include berries in the summer, apples and pears in the fall, citrus fruits in the winter, and stone fruits like peaches and plums in the spring.
• Experiment with Flavour Combinations: Get creative with your fruit tea blends by mixing different fruits together. For example, try combining strawberries with mint or adding slices of citrus fruits like oranges or lemons to your tea for a burst of flavour.
• Brew with Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh fruits whenever possible for the best flavour. You can either slice the fruits and add them directly to your tea infuser or brew the tea with whole fruits for a stronger flavour infusion.
• Consider Hot or Cold Brewing: Depending on the season and your personal preference, you can enjoy fruit teas either hot or cold. Brew your tea as usual and then let it cool for a refreshing iced tea option during the warmer months. 
• Add Sweeteners or Enhancements: If desired, you can add natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup to your fruit tea for a touch of sweetness. Additionally, consider adding herbs or spices like cinnamon or ginger to enhance the flavour profile of your tea.

 

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Benefits of Drinking Fruit Teas

By embracing seasonal eating, we not only nourish ourselves with produce at its peak freshness and nutritional value. It's crucial for our health to consume foods when they're at their nutritional peak. Each season brings unique health challenges, but the foods available during that time can help protect us from them. For instance, summer, with its heightened risk of dehydration, offers foods with high water content to keep us hydrated. During monsoon season, when bacterial infections are more prevalent, the produce available provides nutrients that enhance our immunity.

Fruit teas offer a variety of potential benefits, including:

• Provides health and hydration: Fruit teas often contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found naturally in fruits. These nutrients can support overall health and well-being. Like herbal teas, fruit teas contribute to daily fluid intake, helping to keep the body hydrated.
• It’s a caffeine-free beverage: Many fruit teas are naturally low in calories, making them a great option for those looking to manage their calorie intake or maintain a healthy weight. Besides, most fruit teas are caffeine-free, making them suitable for consumption at any time of day, including evenings. This makes them a good alternative for individuals sensitive to caffeine or looking to reduce their caffeine consumption.
• Good for digestive health: Some fruit teas contain ingredients known for their digestive properties, such as ginger or peppermint. These teas may help soothe digestive discomfort or promote healthy digestion.
• Supports immunity: Certain fruits, such as citrus fruits, are rich in vitamin C, which is known to support immune function. Drinking fruit teas containing these fruits may provide a boost to the immune system, especially during cold and flu season.

 

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De-Stress With Fruit Tea

Incorporating fruit tea into your de-stressing routine can provide a welcome break from the demands of daily life, allowing you to recharge and rejuvenate both body and mind. 
De-stressing with fruit tea can be a soothing and enjoyable ritual. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can unwind and focus on your tea-drinking experience. Whether it's a cosy corner of your home or a peaceful outdoor setting, create a calming atmosphere to help alleviate stress. Choose a fruit tea blend that you find appealing and comforting. Take your time to prepare your fruit tea mindfully. Once your fruit tea is ready, take slow and deliberate sips, savouring each mouthful.

Here is a quick fruit tea recipe that you can try this season:

For this delightful cranberry tea recipe, gather 1 ½ cups of cranberries, 4 black tea bags, 4 cloves, 4 cups of water, 3 cups of apple juice, 6 pieces of ginger, a 2-inch cinnamon stick, and honey for sweetness. Begin by combining the cranberries, ginger, cloves, cinnamon stick, and water in a pot, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing to a simmer for 5 minutes. Next, add the tea bags and apple juice, allowing the flavors to steep for an additional 5 minutes. Finally, sweeten the tea to taste with honey, then serve and enjoy the comforting warmth and vibrant flavors of this seasonal beverage.

What’s In Season?

Summer is a bountiful season for delicious and nutritious fruits. Summer fruits not only add delicious flavour but also provide a wide range of health benefits to keep you feeling vibrant and energised throughout the season.

• Watermelon: With its high water content, watermelon is excellent for staying hydrated during hot summer days. It contains electrolytes like potassium, which helps maintain proper fluid balance in the body. Watermelon is rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which may help protect against oxidative damage and inflammation.
• Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries): Berries are packed with antioxidants such as anthocyanins and vitamin C, which help fight free radicals and support overall health. They are a great source of dietary fibre, aiding in digestion and promoting gut health.
• Peaches: Peaches are a good source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function and skin health. They contain dietary fibre, which can help regulate digestion and prevent constipation.
• Mangoes: Mangoes are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for vision health and immune function. They also provide a significant amount of vitamin C, which supports collagen production and boosts immunity. Mangoes contain enzymes like amylases, which aid in digestion and may help alleviate digestive issues like bloating and constipation.
• Pineapple: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation, and indigestion while alleviating symptoms of conditions like arthritis. It is a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.

Seasonal produce not only tastes better but also offers a heightened appeal, potentially enhancing your appetite for fruits and vegetables when they are at their peak.
Moreover, fruits and vegetables harvested locally from seasonal crops tend to be fresher since they don't need to endure long transportation distances. Contrary, out-of-season produce, harvested prematurely to withstand shipping and distribution to local retailers, often lacks the fullness of flavour and freshness characteristic of crops picked at their peak ripeness.

 

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