Cookery

Summer brings a lot of fantastic things with it, but one of the healthiest for those of us in the colder climates is more fresh food. The growing season has started and is shifting into full gear. Keep your eyes open for these foods to help your summer be absolutely luscious.

Glorious Greens

1) Lovage - according to K'Eogh, an 18th century Irish herbalist, this strong scented herb, "expels flatulence; clears the sight; removes spots, freckles and redness; provokes urination and menstruation; and aids digestion ? and is aptly used in love potions". Sounds like the makings for fabulous salad fixins' to me!

This green also happens to be tasty, too, and is similar to celery in its appearance. Not only is it yummy raw, but it retains its flavor in slow cooking soups and stews.

2) Watercress - a known immune booster. This powerful green is valuable for treating colds and coughs, but in general also helps maintain vigorous workings of both the thyroid and endocrine glands. This makes it perfect for an extra summer-time energy boost, not to mention that it has a dramatic, spicy bite!

When buying: look for fresh leaflets of an evenly spread, darkish color. Don't buy or eat any yellowish leaves that you discover.

When storing: place the stems in cold water and refrigerate. Use within 1 day as this leaf is grown in cold spring water and doesn't keep well when it's dry.

To your health and success, Heather

Heather Dominick is a Nutrition-Energy Consultant accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and creator of The Energy Rich Lifestyle Program?. In addition to her nutrition services, she is a motivating and dynamic speaker.