Making stewed fruit is such a versatile way to enjoy the bounty of Summer and serves as another delicious vehicle for incorporating herbs, too! Compote, or stewed fruit, can also be a balancing treat according to TCM principles, especially during this time of year when people might overdo it in terms of raw and cold foods. While eating seasonally is a core tenet of pro-metabolic dietary guidance in Chinese Medicine, the abundance of the cooling foods that are in season right now can cause disharmony for those with Yin-dominant constitutions or weak Digestive Fire. TCM also prioritizes cooked foods, which are more easily broken down and digested, thus preserving energy. This preparation method can also increase the bioavailability of certain nutrients, making it easier for the body to absorb vitamins and minerals from fruits.
Cherries hold inherent medicinal value and are an especially healing food during the Summer season, as indicated by their color. Red is the color that corresponds to Summer, symbolizing warmth, vitality, and energy. Tonifying to Qi and Blood, cherries have a replenishing quality that improves circulation and helps to clear Dampness—a primary cause of stagnation and one that’s not only common this season, but a constitutional imbalance that we see often. Red foods are also rich in proanthocyanidins (PACs), a type of dietary polyphenol, that are deeply nourishing to the gut microbiome by protecting against the growth of pathogens and supporting an abundance of healthy bacteria. This special antioxidant activity pairs with rich vitamin C stores and collagen to naturally support skin health.
Summer is a time for nurturing Shen, the governing spiritual force of this season that encompasses our consciousness, emotions, and thoughts. Rose is a Shen tonic that is world-renowned for uplifting the spirit, balancing mood, soothing emotional turmoil, and bringing a harmonizing quality to our energy. Additionally tonifying to Qi, this beloved herb helps remediate Qi stagnation, which often expresses in psychological ways, including as depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and PMS. Rose pairs so well with cherries to clear Damp Heat—an imbalance that’s exclusive to the Summer season.
Ingredients
- 1.5 C cherries, pitted and halved
- ¼ C orange juice
- 2.5 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp Rose extract powder
Preparation Instructions:
- To a small pot, add all of the ingredients
- Simmer on medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally
That’s literally it! An easy treat that doesn’t require you overheating in the kitchen. Add it as a topping for ice cream, porridge, or simply enjoy chilled from a small bowl.
