MAY FOOD OF THE MONTH: CHERRIES

• Taste: Sweet, Sour

• Temperature: Heating

• Post-Digestive Effect: Increasing

• Dosha: Pacifies Vata, aggravates Pitta, slightly aggravates Kapha

• Qualities:  Moist, Warm, Light

• Flavor pairings: almond, coconut, creamy cheeses (non-sour), berries, lemon, vanilla, oats, farro

• Spice pairings: cinnamon, cardamom, chilies, vanilla, star anise, rose, mint, ginger, cloves, basil

Early May is a little too early for cherries, but by mid or late May (depending on where you live), you will be seeing A TON of cherries at your farmers market and local grocery store.

I wanted to have them as our May food of the month because cherries have such a short window of seasonality - typically only 6 weeks long (May-June). We should enjoy them when they are in season.

Cherries are Vata pacifying, making them perfect for that short-term vata aggravation season which typically happens during change of the seasons.

But here is the thing - cherries are heating. And May/ June is typically when the weather starts heating up. For this reason, it is advised to enjoy cherries but to NOT eat them during the heat of the day or when you are sitting out in the hot sun.

Cherries move the lymphatic system and cleanse and support the liver. They purify the blood while also strengthening it by providing a high amount of iron. They are very effective at relieving constipation and insomnia. They are a natural source of melatonin which relaxes the body. Cherries also help to relieve frustration and anger associated with liver congestion.

Pittas can be aggravated by the heating nature of cherries. If Pitta, it is advised to opt for sweeter varieties (avoid sour) and avoid eating cherries during hot periods. Kaphas can be slightly aggravated by their building post-digestive effect. But overall, they are a good fruit choice for Kapha.

I prefer to simply eat cherries by themselves as a light breakfast or snack. But if you are feeling fancy, you can also try one of these options:

ROSE CHERRY LASSI

CHERRY ROSE COOKIES

CHERRY BOWL WITH CARDAMOM AND MINT