FIVE-FLAVOR ARUGULA + BEET SALAD

One of my favorite ways to build a meal is with a five-flavor focus.

The combination and balance of all five flavors in a meal is said to give you the feeling of not only being well-fed but also being fully satiated.

Each of the five flavors, depicted by traditional medicine, has its own unique medicinal property that can be honed and fine-tuned within your eating.

Before diving into a brand-new delicious summer recipe full of summertime flavors, here's a peek into some of the deeper qualities of the five flavors (borrowed from an article I originally wrote for the Chopra Center a few years ago):

• Sweet: Sweetness is considered the most nourishing flavor—from homemade desserts to foods that turn into sugar such as rice or bread. When used wisely, natural sweetness soothes the body and heart.

• Salty: Salt maintains the electrolyte balance in your cells. The salty flavor is said to amplify and harmonize the other flavors highlighting the best flavors of a meal.

• Pungent: Foods such as hot peppers, garlic, and ginger are considered pungent (or spicy) in flavor. Pungent flavors are said to clear the sinuses, improve circulation, and boost energy and metabolism.

• Bitter: Bitter is found in foods like kale, turnips, and chocolate. Bitter foods detoxify the body and support liver methylation pathways.

• Sour: Citrus, green grapes, and fermented foods such as vinegars and pickles are known for their sour flavor. Sour foods support a strong and healthy digestion. The sour flavor is also known to invigorate one’s appetite.

This is a quick and easy salad that you can add to almost any meal. With all five flavors tossed into a delightful dish, you will leave your palate inspired and your whole being fully nourished.

The five flavors to explore: Bitter arugula; spicy green onion; sour marinated beets; salty goat cheese, and sweet candied pecans/almonds.

The simple dressing is full of flavor too.

Q: Which flavors do you tend to eat most? Are there any flavors you could add more of?

Summertime is the perfect time to visit any of your local farmers’ markets to pick up fresh, seasonal produce to pamper your palate and satiate your whole being.

From sweet summertime fruit, to spicy green onions, to bitter leafy greens, be sure you gather an array of flavors to explore in your kitchen.

WANT TO KEEP COOKING? PERUSE MORE RECIPES BELOW:

WILD MUSHROOM {VEGAN} BISQUE

Wild mushrooms are one of my favorite foods! I have been perfecting this wild mushroom soup recipe for a while now and I am excited to share it with you today.

There are endless varieties of shrooms, but I have to say when I can find fresh Lion’s Mane, I am pretty psyched!

Have you tried a lion’s mane mushroom? We have a wonderful wild mushroom booth at our local farmer’s market @hazeldellmushrooms where I first discovered this potent white and shaggy mushroom.

Lion’s mane 🦁 is known to boost brain function, support mental health easing symptoms of depression and anxiety, support neurological function, soothe the digestion and boost the immune system.

You can often find lion’s 🦁mane at your local health food store. It is delicious cooked up with a blend of other mushrooms in a tasty stir-fry, or made into this delicious wild-mushroom soup.

Keep your eye out for other products with lion’s mane mushrooms, such as supplements, teas and recently (one of my new favorites) lion’s mane mushroom coffee.

If you are a mushroom person like I am, even if you can’t find Lion’s Mane, be sure to give this Wild Mushroom {Vegan} Bisque a try. Any wild mushrooms will taste great!

Want more recipes? Feel free to keep browsing below:

COCONUT {GRAIN FREE} SHORTBREADS

I am a big fan of baking with alternative flours. These coconut flour treats topped with oh-so-yummy coconut butter are the perfect variation for the healthy and balanced sweet flavor. 

Plus, coconut! Health benefits galore! These healthy treats are rich in coconut and coconut oil.

There are few substances on the planet that stand up to coconut. This versatile superfood has beneficial uses that span skin care, hair health, and anti-inflammatory properties—benefitting you inside and out. Coconut oil is antibacterial and antimicrobial, making it a wonderful addition to your menu (and to your bathroom cabinet).

Notably, research shows  that eating coconut oil regularly can support and heal your digestion as it positively influences the delicate balance of good and bad flora, making the plethora of antioxidant-rich foods you eat easier to absorb.

ROASTED ROOTS ROUNDUP

Tis the season of root veggies and squash. This medley is simple, quick and full of the diverse flavors of fall. Roast a big pan and keep for munching all week!

Let’s talk Delicata squash for a minute:

An heirloom variety of hard-shell squash that is known for its smooth, buttery, and nutty flavor, delicata squash is also low in sugars and high in fiber. Delicata’s unique yellow shell with green stripes makes it easy to recognize alongside its cousins acorn squash, butternut squash and spaghetti squash. Similar to other hard-shell squashes, delicata squash is high in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron. Eat it often for a healthy immune system, strong bones, and as anemia prevention (preventing low levels of iron in your blood, which can leave you feeling weak).