As the last vegetables from the summer farm share come to an end, a familiar sense of sadness settles in. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors of the produce, harvested at their peak, slowly fade as I open my refrigerator to find only the hearty root vegetables that have survived the colder months: carrots, potatoes, and squash. Each year, as the CSA season winds down, I feel a small sense of loss. The convenience of local, fresh produce — and the joy that comes from cooking with it — gives way to the challenge of finding store-bought vegetables that, never taste or cook the same.
But this year, there’s an added layer of gratitude. Thanks to the abundance I preserved from Many Hands Organic Farm, I have a stockpile of tomatoes, corn, broccoli, parsley, apples, and pears, ready to nourish me through the winter months. The chickens, leftover turkey, and pork from the farm also provide a comforting reminder of the seasonal cycle and the food that will sustain me until next year. While I look forward to the return of fresh, vibrant vegetables next season, I am also reminded of the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda and its emphasis on eating with the seasons.
It has also been such a gift to work on Many Hands Organic Farm this year, helping to raise the food from the CSA and care for the animals. Being involved in the entire process has deepened my appreciation for the food and where it comes from. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this cycle of growth and nourishment. I look forward to being a part of this process again in 2025.
If you’re looking to enjoy fresh, local, and nourishing food throughout the season, I encourage you to join the Many Hands Organic Farm CSA in 2025! I’m thrilled to once again be a pickup site at Treehouse Studio in Athol, where you can pick up your weekly share every Monday from 4-7pm. Many Hands also offers convenient pickup locations across Central Massachusetts, including Gardner, the farm in Barre, Holden, Shrewsbury, and Worcester. Don’t miss out on the chance to nourish yourself with farm-fresh produce all season long!
This Week's Recipe: Haddock Chowder
As I reflect on the transition between seasons, I want to share a comforting recipe for Haddock Chowder, a warming dish made with carrots, cilantro, and potatoes from Dan’s farm. This soup embodies the richness of winter vegetables, paired with the lightness of fresh fish. The carrots add a natural sweetness, while the cilantro brings a refreshing herbal note, creating a balanced dish perfect for the colder days ahead. Click on the picture for recipe.
Ayurveda and Seasonal Eating: A Natural Rhythm
In Ayurveda, the practice of eating seasonal, local foods is not just a suggestion; it’s a cornerstone of maintaining balance and health. Ayurveda teaches that our bodies are deeply connected to the cycles of nature, and that eating in harmony with these cycles can support digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. Each season brings its own qualities — warm, cold, damp, dry — and the foods that are in season align with these qualities, helping to balance the body’s internal environment.
In the winter months, for example, when the air becomes colder and drier, we are encouraged to eat grounding, warming foods that nourish and hydrate. Root vegetables, like the carrots, potatoes, and squash I have stored away, are perfect for this time of year. They are hearty, stabilizing, and packed with nutrients that help build strength and immunity as we navigate the colder months.
In the summer, on the other hand, lighter, more cooling foods like leafy greens, cucumbers, summer squash and juicy fruits are favored. These foods help to balance the intense heat of the season and keep us feeling refreshed and energized.
The Cycle of Nourishment: From CSA to Winter Comfort
As I navigate the transition from summer’s abundance to the quieter winter months, I find comfort in knowing that I have stocked up on the foods that will carry me through this time.
Ayurveda encourages us to honor the natural rhythms of the seasons, and there is something incredibly grounding about knowing that the food I’ve preserved — picked fresh at the height of summer — will continue to nourish me during the slower, colder months.
Even as I experience the subtle sadness of the CSA season ending, I also feel the excitement for next year’s bounty. The new cycle is already beginning, and it’s a beautiful reminder that nourishment, both physical and spiritual, is cyclical.
For those of you who are also experiencing the transition from farm-fresh vegetables to store-bought produce, I encourage you to embrace the Ayurvedic approach to seasonal eating. By eating locally and in alignment with the seasons, we not only support our bodies but also our communities and the Earth.
As we head into the winter months, I look forward to sharing new and nourishing meals with you, filled with love, gratitude, and the healing wisdom of Ayurveda. And as always, I encourage you to sign up before December 31st for the MHOF's 2025 CSA to lock in 2024 prices— the fresh bounty of next season is just around the corner.
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