One of my favorite aspects of the holiday season is the abundance of delicious, healthy seasonal foods, spices, and scents. In truth, many of the herbs and spices we rely on to bring out those seasonal flavors that we love have excellent health benefits and therapeutic capabilities. They’re also very versatile, so you can add them to nearly any dish you prepare. I encourage you to stock up on some of the season’s favorites and regularly add them to your recipes. Or, better yet, grow some of them so that you have your own supply!
Here are some of my favorite herbs and spices to cook with during the holidays and beyond. They’re guaranteed to give you a boost of comfort and joy, health and happiness.
Cinnamon
Let’s start with the obvious spice that makes the season so flavorful: cinnamon. It’s the secret
to delightful baked goods, but it’s also a superstar when it comes to improving digestion, lowering blood sugar, and decreasing inflammation. Sprinkle it in your coffee this season, shake it on baked sweet potatoes, and give your holiday dishes and drinks a hint of sweetness naturally by using cinnamon.
Nutmeg
Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-depression, nutmeg is another spice to keep on heavy rotation this season. I know you’ve enjoyed it as an ingredient in your baked goods, but it’s also great for savory foods like roasted root veggies. Just a pinch is all you need; you don’t want to it with nutmeg. If you can’t sleep from all the excitement of the holidays, try warm almond milk with a sprinkle of ground
nutmeg on top for a relaxing nightcap. For added relaxation benefits, toss in some turmeric to your nightcap .
Ginger
Soothing, warm, and aromatic, ginger brings out the best in food. It helps tame inflammation,
boosts circulation, and is wonderful if you have any digestive troubles. If you’re looking to make a hearty main dish, adding fresh ginger creates more depth in flavor and smells super fragrant while it’s cooking. And, should you unintentionally consume food during the holidays than you intended, steep a few slices of fresh ginger in hot water. You’ll enjoy a tummy-taming tea that will aid in digestion.
Peppermint
Peppermint is another power-packed digestive aid we can enjoy during the holiday season and year-round. Peppermint improves digestion, relieves heartburn, and is excellent for relieving stress and headaches.
Pick up a box of organic peppermint tea next time you visit the grocery store, and make this
your holiday season wind-down ritual. Or, better yet, grow your own varieties of peppermint: there are almost 600 different types all over the world to choose from. Cozy up in bed at the end of the day with your warm cup of peppermint tea, enjoy a chapter or two of a good book, and drift off to sleep.
Rosemary
Rosemary boasts a powerful punch of antioxidants that helps to keep your immune system strong throughout the cold and flu months. It is anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral: definitely a three-in-one punch against upper respiratory conditions. Your dishes will smell more succulent with fresh rosemary, which is an excellent addition to just about any recipe: soups, stews, veggies… you name it. My favorite use for it is in chicken dishes. Absolutely delicious!
Cloves
Cloves add a distinctive flavor that works beautifully in roasted dishes, baked goods, or homemade cider. They’re antioxidant-packed, antimicrobial, and can help regulate blood sugar when added to your meals.
Cloves have a unique aroma and taste, which some may find overpowering, but the smell surely evokes memories of holidays, whether used in ham or even in sorrel. Cloves pair well with cinnamon and nutmeg, so toss a few in your pot of gluten-free oatmeal for a delicious, warming, holiday-scented breakfast.
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