The Late Harvest is the time of preparation for the cooler months that are getting ever closer.

The freshness and heat of summer is slipping away and the odd cool morning is making its presence felt. This is a very short season between summer and autumn. It is the season to move to the center of our being. The earth element is represented by the color yellow and the flavor is sweet. The earth is showing us the produce available with pumpkins, sweet potato, corn, sweet rice, rice, amaranth, carrots, cabbage, peas, string beans, apricots and cantaloupe. This is a season of moderation and a time not to use strong spices or herbs.

The wonderful sensation of the late harvest is as though time was standing still just for a moment. The late harvest is a wonderful time for meditation or calming exercises.

From the Yellow Emperor's Classic:
"The mysterious forces of the Earth create moisture in the Heavens and the fertile soil upon the earth; they create the flesh within the body and the stomach [and spleen-pancreas]. They create the yellow color and give the voice the ability to sing they create the mouth [and sense of taste], the sweet flavor, and the emotions of anxiety and worry.

When we nourish the stomach and spleen with wonderful pumpkin and carrot soups we are building a strong internal body for the winter. Our emotions become calm and relaxed and centered within ourselves.