AUTUMNAL EQUINOX

Golden September

Glory be September! The fall equinox in the Northern hemisphere, the harvest, the low golden honey light, return to school. It also marks the sweet corn ripening here in Ontario, and seeing as the colour of late summer is yellow, it felt like a good fit to celebrate this delicious vegetable here and now.

When I was a kid, my parents' friends would throw a big country party in September called The Corn Roast, which was mostly an excuse for them all to get together, let the kids run feral, and keep the summer vibes going for just a few more days. We'd camp out in tents on the land, swim in the creek, enjoy a huge bonfire and sing songs late into the night, everyone holding a corn of cob in one hand, smeared in butter and salt. Everything around us made it apartment that were teetering between summer and fall, with the days still being so soft and warm, but the nights in those tents were absolutely freezing, haha! To me, this annual event marked the seasons turning, and I will always think of sweet corn as the ingredient that celebrated this poignant moment in the yearly cycle.

FEATURE INGREDIENT

Sweet Corn

Sweet corn, also known as Zea mays, has a rich history that traces back over 10,000 years. Native to the Americas, it was first cultivated by indigenous peoples in what is now Mexico and Central America. Early agricultural societies, such as the Maya and Aztec, revered corn as a staple crop and a symbol of life and fertility. They selectively bred varieties for different purposes, including the sweet, tender corn we enjoy today.

Sweet corn is not only a delicious addition to many meals but also offers a range of health benefits that make it a valuable part of a balanced diet. One significant benefit is its high fibre content, which promotes healthy digestion. Dietary fibre in sweet corn helps to prevent constipation, supports regular bowel movements, and can contribute to overall gut health.

Sweet corn is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function and skin health. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Sweet corn also provides a good amount of B vitamins, such as B6 and folate, which are important for energy production, brain function, and red blood cell formation. The presence of these vitamins supports overall well-being and helps maintain various bodily functions

Sweet corn also contains beneficial plant compounds such as antioxidants and carotenoids. Lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids found in sweet corn, are known to support eye health by protecting against age-related macular degeneration and reducing the risk of cataracts. These antioxidants contribute to cellular health by neutralizing harmful free radicals and may play a role in reducing inflammation throughout the body. By including sweet corn in your diet, you can enjoy its nutritional benefits while contributing to your long-term health and wellness.

THIS MONTH'S RECIPE

Smoky Sweet Corn Dip

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. Ghee
1 medium onion, finely diced
1/2 tsp. Fine sea salt
2 Cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. Ground cumin
1/2 tsp. Smoked paprika or ground chipotle
1 Jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced
1 small red bell pepper, seeds removed and finely diced
2 Cobs-worth sweet corn kernels
3/4 cup Cottage cheese, preferably organic
1/4 cup Greek yogurt, preferably organic
1 Tbsp. Hot sauce of your choice
2 oz / 65g aged white cheddar, preferably organic
Cilantro to serve, if desired
Tortillas, crackers, or veggies to serve

Directions:

Melt ghee in an oven-proof skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and salt, stir to coat, and let cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and golden. Add the garlic, and cook two minutes. Then stir in the cumin and smoked paprika, followed by the jalapeño and bell pepper. Fold to coat and cook, stirring occasionally until the bell peppers have softened, about 5 minutes. Lastly, add the corn kernels, fold to coat and cook for 3-4 minutes until the kernels are bright yellow and tender.
While that is cooking, combine the cottage cheese, yogurt, and hot sauce.
Remove the skillet from the heat, and fold in the cheese and yogurt mixture. Top with the grated cheese, spreading it out in an even layer. Place under the broiler at 500°F / 260°C, just until the cheese is golden and bubbling - about 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully as it can burn quickly.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately with a sprinkling of cilantro, crackers, chips or veggies. Say thank you and enjoy!

More delicious corn recipes 🌽

From My New Roots

Cashew Corn Chowder (pictured below)

Grilled Corn Salsa

Butternut Cornbread (for Grow members)

From my friends around the web

Amy Chaplin's Sweet Corn Basil and Golden Zucchini Pasta

Gaz Oakley's Piri Piri One Tray Bake

Lauren Toyota's Corn Zucchini Fritter with Jalapeno Cream

Easing the Seasonal Transition

This time of year can be very challenging as we move from the expansive, extroverted summer months ruled by the element of fire, to the inward and downward energy of fall, ruled by the metal element. It can be hard to let go of the abundance and activity that the warmer months bring, but if we resist this natural flow of energy that is asking us too to go within, we are left vulnerable to colds, allergies, and other discomforts.

If we align ourselves with nature, we can thrive through these moments. Focusing more on rest, letting go (both physically and emotionally), and using foods to build immunity will surely support us.

Here are my top tips for helping your body adjust, and making the in-between the best it can be:

🍲 Begin to incorporate more warm food and drinks into your diet. Soups, stews, broths, elixirs, and herbal teas work beautifully. Focus on foods that take longer to cook: roasted roots, broths, infusions…

🥦 Start easing up on raw, cooling salads, and instead enjoy lightly cooked seasonal vegetables like squash, carrots, beets, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.

🧅 Pungent foods like garlic, onions, ginger, turnips, and horseradish help to build your immunity or Wei-Qi, "defensive Qi". Fire cider is a great thing to make and stock up on.

🍄 Medicinal mushrooms help ease the transition and support immunity: chaga, reishi, cordyceps, and lion's mane are particularly beneficial.

🌤 Spend time outdoors / in nature to align your body with the rhythm of your surroundings. Walk barefoot on the Earth (if you're feeling strong)

🧣 Stay warm. Avoid drafts, especially indoors. Always take an extra layer (sweater, jacket, scarf) with you when you go outside.

😴 Listen to and answer your body's call to rest more if it needs to. Good sleep equals good immune system health.

My Recent Life Pleasures

The things I'm loving lately!

SOMAVEDIC

I heard about Somavedic back in 2020; a device designed to mitigate the effects of EMF, improve heart rate variability (HRV), blood oxygen levels, and cellular regeneration. Sounded too good to be true!

Fast forward to this past summer when the company reached out and offered to send me a couple of their models to try in my own home. As soon as I plugged them in, I could feel the difference. I have the green Vedic on my desk (a high EMF area with two screens and a wifi extender), and the silver Harmony one for next to my bed. The Vedic model also structures water, so I've been putting a large jug next to the device overnight and drink that water the next day. These beautiful objects are back by several studies, which you can find on there site.

If you're concerned about EMFs at home, the office, or your electric vehicle, and the effect they're having on your energy, mental clarity and focus, this product may help you. Somavedic is offering the MNR community 15% off any purchase thought this link and with the code MYNEWROOTS15

MOLLY REEDER 2025 CALENDAR

My internet friend Molly Reeder is an American artist whose work I have admired for years. Her speciality is painting food and natural objects (swoon!) so it's no surprise that I'm a huge fan. Her 2025 calendar is now available for preorder, and it's the most beautiful collection of her best work. The artwork can be cut out of the calendar portion and turned into 6x8" prints, so it's like getting 13 pieces in 1! Calendars come with a small clip for displaying/hanging each month. And 10% of profits from these calendars will go to support Richmond Community Fridges. If you're looking for something special to gift, or hang on your own wall, this is a very unique offering that gives you something to look forward to each month.

CHRISTY DAWN FALL COLLECTION

Christy Dawn has just released their fall collection and my friends, it is sooo goooood. They've really leaned into creating cozy knitwear for the coming season, and I am here for it! This 70's inspired striped jumper is called the Ingrid in the colour Toast (yum). It's made from alpaca and just about the softest thing I have ever put on - talk about a life pleasure! I've recently discovered wearing it *without* a layer underneath and it's divine, especially after a morning swim in chilly water. Christy Dawn is offering 15% off their entire collection through this link with the code CDSB15. I hope you enjoy!