Inyo National Forrest Fall is a time for harvest. As nature does during this time, the movement of this season is that of contraction, moving inward and downward. It is a time to gather together on all levels, a time to store up food and plan for the approaching stillness of winter.
“In fall, the body turns inward to prepare for winter, and Dryness often dominates the environment, which can prompt a dry cough, dry eyes, and dry skin. You can support your body by supplementing the Lung and promoting the production of body fluids with foods such as lilly bulb, white wood ear, pear, pumpkin, nuts and seeds, honey and soy milk. Sour foods, such as apple and lemon, can also be helpful in the preventing the loss of body fluids.
-Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen
Other food for thought: sourdough bread, olives, leeks, adzuki beans, rose hip tea, vinegar, grapefruit. In general, cook with less water and at a lower heat, for longer periods of time which internalizes ones focus; bake and sauté food which carry a warm fragrance; concentrated foods and roots thicken the blood for cooler weather.
Here is a bit of a daring recipe for you to try, strengthening your body against the dryness of Fall. Let me know what you think!
Black and White Wood Ear Tofu
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients:
-1/2 ounce (15 g) dried black wood ear
-1/2 ounce (15 g) dried white wood ear
-2 tbsp olive oil
-2 cloves garlic
-1 (15-19 ounce) package firm tofu, cut in 1 inch cubes
-1 1/4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
-1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
-Salt
Condiments: black pepper, hot chili oil
Directions:
1. Soak the black and white wood ear for 30 minutes in warm water where it will expand to two to five times its origional size. Rinse the wood ear, remove and discard the fibrous base, and cut into 1/4-inch strips.
2. Heat the oil in a medium-size pan over medium heat, then add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the wood ear and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes
4. Add the tofu, then the broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, covered for 5 minutes.
5. Add salt to taste, and enjoy!
“In fall, the body turns inward to prepare for winter, and Dryness often dominates the environment, which can prompt a dry cough, dry eyes, and dry skin. You can support your body by supplementing the Lung and promoting the production of body fluids with foods such as lilly bulb, white wood ear, pear, pumpkin, nuts and seeds, honey and soy milk. Sour foods, such as apple and lemon, can also be helpful in the preventing the loss of body fluids.
-Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen
Other food for thought: sourdough bread, olives, leeks, adzuki beans, rose hip tea, vinegar, grapefruit. In general, cook with less water and at a lower heat, for longer periods of time which internalizes ones focus; bake and sauté food which carry a warm fragrance; concentrated foods and roots thicken the blood for cooler weather.
Here is a bit of a daring recipe for you to try, strengthening your body against the dryness of Fall. Let me know what you think!
Black and White Wood Ear Tofu
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients:
-1/2 ounce (15 g) dried black wood ear
-1/2 ounce (15 g) dried white wood ear
-2 tbsp olive oil
-2 cloves garlic
-1 (15-19 ounce) package firm tofu, cut in 1 inch cubes
-1 1/4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
-1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
-Salt
Condiments: black pepper, hot chili oil
Directions:
1. Soak the black and white wood ear for 30 minutes in warm water where it will expand to two to five times its origional size. Rinse the wood ear, remove and discard the fibrous base, and cut into 1/4-inch strips.
2. Heat the oil in a medium-size pan over medium heat, then add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the wood ear and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes
4. Add the tofu, then the broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, covered for 5 minutes.
5. Add salt to taste, and enjoy!
Wood Ear Mushrooms
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