As the autumn leaves bring forth with gold and orange tones, so the change starts with the food that will keep us warm through the cooler months.

The main feeling for autumn is spending time indoors. It is a feeling of gathering your energy inwards. The change of pace from active to slowing down. The fresh cool air becomes like a soft barrier that stops us from moving too quickly. Less socializing at this time of the year. Parties have stopped and concentration is focused on family and close friends. It is a time of reaping the rewards of spring and summer.

Keeping the body warm will ward off flues and colds. This time of the year is related to the lungs and large intestines. Foods that keep these organs strong at this time of the year are the pungent flavors, such as garlic, horseradish, mustard and ginger.

Vegetables that come through strongly at this time of the year are late corn, wheat, short grain rice, millet, pumpkin, fennel, young ginger root, spinach, watercress, beans and nuts (especially chestnuts).