Les 5 Saisons

Spring is the season when vital energy rises after a period of hibernation. Nature awakens: sap rises after winter, light increases, flowers and natural elements grow. Every being participates in the great rebirth. Its element is Wood and its color is Green. The Liver is the organ of the season, an energetic center where the rise of Yang energy in the body occurs. We should consume "GREEN" foods, rich in chlorophyll, with a warm nature and mild, slightly spicy, or even bitter flavors (but without excess). We should avoid or reduce excesses of sour flavors, fats, alcohol, and sugar, which would disrupt the Liver's functions, as it is particularly sensitive to them, blocking the rising energy. Young shoots and sprouts, beets, carrots, zucchini, radishes, broccoli, leeks, asparagus, red beans, sweet potatoes, ginger, garlic, apples, papaya, lean fish, artichokes, turmeric, lemon, etc., are the recommended foods for this season. Gentle and low-salt cooking methods are preferred.

Here we are in SUMMER. According to the Chinese calendar, SUMMER begins on May 5th. This season corresponds to the time of maturity, when fruits are ready to be picked. It is the full bloom of nature's energies, reaching its maximum activity. Summer corresponds to the FIRE element. The Heart is the organ of this season, a powerful and ascending YANG energy. It is advisable to limit yang foods (offal, cured meats, fatty red meats...). It is also advisable to eat more slowly, calmly, favoring a more Yin diet to calm excess energy and cool the body: seafood, eggs, rice, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, lettuce, radishes, tofu, seasonal fruits: pineapple, apricot, lemon, watermelon, melon, mango, orange, plum... etc... For cooked food, favor foods cooked al dente, gently steamed, quickly stir-fried in a wok with little oil.