Acorn Squash
June 07, 2009
A warming recipe for Fall to help enhance our immune systems, promote happy flowing digestive systems and acclimate us to the cold Winter months.
When our immune system is strong and our digestion is moving harmoniously, we can let go of fears and worries and enjoy the beauty of the Fall season.
acorn squash
turmeric
maple syrup (grade B preferred)
olive oil
sea salt
Preheat oven to 375◦
Start by slicing the squash in half and cleaning out the seeds. Next pour a small amount of olive oil on each half and gently rub until the squash (inside only) is lightly coated. Next sprinkle a generous amount of turmeric, covering the entire squash. Finally drizzle the Maple Syrup lightly over the squash (a small amount ie. 1tsp is adequate) and sprinkle a dash of sea salt on top. Bake on 375◦ for 45 minutes to an hour or until squash is tender.
This is lovely with steamed collard greens and for those deficient folks a small slice of goat cheese!
Recipe Properties & Info
Acorn squash
Warming. Enters the spleen and stomach channels and tonifies Qi. Excellent source of complex carbohydrates it can be used to treat blood sugar imbalances and digestive issues. It’s warming nature helps increase blood circulation making it useful for cold or damp imbalances as well as clearing phlegm. Phytonutrients include: Vitamins A, C, potassium, riboflavin. Among one of the best sources for carotenoids it is considered anti-carcinogenic.
Turmeric
Warming. Tonifies the spleen, stomach, liver channels and regulates Qi circulation. A root usually ground and used as a spice, turmeric is a wonderful Fall food as it assists in strengthening the immune system. The warming qualities of turmeric are excellent for improving blood circulation as well as treating blood sugar imbalances . It is extremely useful for people suffering from erratic or wandering pains (In Traditional Chinese Medicine this is considered a Wind Condition) which can often be a problem during the windy Fall season. One of the best sources of beta-carotene. Aids in the digestion of complex carbohydrates (like acorn squash).
Maple Syrup
Warming. Enters the spleen channel. Living here in Vermont it’s easy to acquire high quality organic Grade B (higher in minerals) Maple Syrup. Its sweet flavor makes it an ideal substitute for artificial sweeteners and sugar. Maple Syrup is useful for lubricating dryness especially in the lungs and throat. For the same reason, it should be avoided by individuals with damp conditions. In this particular recipe it helps harmonize the flavors creating an overall synchronized feeling to our Earth Element Channels (Stomach/Spleen) and mind.
Olive Oil
Neutral. Enters the spleen and liver channels. The most stable of the commonly used vegetable oils, high quality extra virgin olive oil can be used to treat many liver and gallbladder dysfunctions. Because it is comprised largely of mono-saturated fat it is also useful in reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. High in Vitamin E, it is also tonifying to the blood and Yang and is useful in treating menstrual and menopausal imbalances.
Sea Salt
Cooling. Enters kidney, large intestine, small intestine, stomach and spleen channels while regulating Heat conditions and removing toxins. Using a high quality salt (if you’re not eating seaweed everyday) is essential! Our bodies require the minerals found in salt to perform numerous activities such as blood production, calcium absorption, and muscle contraction. It is vital for every living cell. In Chinese Medicine salt is associated with the Winter season. As Fall progresses it is useful to slightly increase our salt intake in effort to acclimate with the approaching cool weather. Salt is also the most grounding of the flavors. It is useful in treating an over active mind, or rebellious Qi resulting in heartburn. The best sources of salt are those found naturally in foods such as seaweed, fish, alfalfa and dandelion leaf to name a few. If you are someone who has trouble using Excess salt, using ground seaweed like Hijiki or Wakame in a shaker is an excellent alternative. Salt cravings often increase in an effort to balance the following: chaotic environments, fear/anxiety, toxic blood conditions, alcohol consumption. If you find that you are someone constantly craving salt or using it in large amounts, it is good to examine if any of those might be the case. In general a grounding practice such as yoga is an excellent resource for overcoming salt intake issues. Just laying down on a patch of Earth is also very effective!!
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