Summer Salads?

Summer is here and we all like to eat the fresh organic produce that farmer's markets provide.  But did you know that fresh, crunchy, raw vegetables comprise a very small part of the Ayurvedic diet?  It may be a bit surprising given how much value Ayurveda places on fresh produce.  However, vaidyas prefer cooked food because raw vegetables require a lot of digestive fire.  Therefore, to eat Ayurvedically your greens need to be lightly cooked. For maximum benefit eat them daily with lunch when your digestive fire is at its peak.  The exception to the rule is that during the summer months when the temperature is warm, raw vegetables can be tolerated.  This is the case for all doshas but the Pitta dosha is especially tolerant.  Tune in next week when we will take a look at the way to prepare and consume vegetables.