We have gotten used to having a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables available in stores throughout the year. However, experts often mention that our body should only consume foods grown in our climate zone during the respective season.
But how to stock up on vitamins in winter if we do not want to reach for citrus or other exotic fruits? We can seek inspiration from the diet of our ancestors. Not only did they not have hypermarkets, but they were often dependent only on their own production. What was harvested in summer and autumn had to be well preserved to last until spring.
Home-grown fruits like plums, apples, and pears were dried; a source of vitamin C was also the unique sauerkraut. Also, natural antibiotics garlic and onion. And finally, various cereals, potatoes, and legumes were used for satiety, which we still use today. Meat was eaten rarely, only on festive occasions. Even today, we can prioritize these ingredients in our winter menu, although it certainly does no harm to occasionally enjoy a juicy mandarin. During winter, we should "warm" the body and simultaneously hydrate with various warm liquids like herbal and fruit teas with honey and warm soups. To supplement other valuable sources, add seeds and nuts to the menu.
Despite having enough various ingredients today, we certainly do not need to overeat or eat fatty and heavy dishes, which do not benefit our digestion. In villages, it is customary to cook from Christmas slaughter sources during this period, but a wise host consumes in moderation.
Finally, we can take much more from our ancestors. In winter, they worked less and rested more, spending a lot of time in communities. As the sun set, which was relatively early in winter, people gathered in homes and did light work together: plucking feathers, spinning flax, repairing various tools damaged during the year. They sang and told stories while working. Older people and children sat with the young. No TV or social networks. Those were the days!
