Today is the first day of October, and the temperature in NYC will be starting to drop. But fall in the city is a special kind of beautiful! The leaves are changing, the foliage becomes vibrant, and despite the cooler weather, there’s so much to embrace. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF WARMING FOODS

According to Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Western health practices, the change in seasons calls for warming, nourishing foods to keep us balanced. In Ayurveda, fall aligns with the Vata dosha, which is cool and dry, so it’s recommended to eat foods that bring warmth and moisture, like soups and stews. TCM also advises eating warming foods like root vegetables and spices that help support digestion and lung health. Western practices encourage consuming seasonal produce like pumpkins, squash, and hearty grains that are rich in nutrients and help sustain energy. October’s cooler days make it the perfect time to embrace these traditions, preparing meals that offer comfort and nourishment.

GLOBAL OCTOBER FOOD TRADITIONS

Around the world, October marks the beginning of harvest celebrations and a shift toward heartier meals. In many cultures, it’s a time to honor the earth’s abundance and prepare for the winter months. Food traditions vary, but they all center around one common theme—using the freshest seasonal ingredients to create comforting dishes. From Europe’s hearty stews to Asia’s fermented staples, each region has its own way of celebrating the season. October brings with it a sense of togetherness as families and communities come together to enjoy the fruits of the harvest.

HONORING INDIGENOUS AMERICAN TRADITIONS

In Indigenous American cultures, October was a time to celebrate the harvest with corn, squash, and beans, known as the “Three Sisters” crops. These staples were central to their diets and were used in stews, roasted dishes, and other hearty meals. Corn provided energy, beans added protein, and squash contributed valuable vitamins and minerals. The Three Sisters were often grown together in a sustainable way, as each crop supported the others. Inspired by this tradition, our Three Sisters dish highlights these nourishing ingredients, bringing the wisdom of these ancient agricultural practices to our modern table.

UKRAINE’S OCTOBER BORSCHT TRADITION

In Ukraine, as October’s chill sets in, hearty soups like borscht are prepared to keep warm. Borscht is a beet-based soup made with a variety of vegetables and often topped with sour cream. It’s a dish that brings warmth and nourishment, perfect for the colder months. Rich in vitamins and minerals, borscht has long been a staple in Ukrainian households. On our Foundations Menu, we offer Ukrainian Borscht, providing a taste of this comforting soup that is not only flavorful but deeply connected to the changing season.

JAMAICA’S YAM HARVEST

In Jamaica, October signals the beginning of the yam harvest, which plays a key role in the island’s traditional cuisine. Yams are often featured in savory stews that pair well with jerk-seasoned meats. This combination of spicy, smoky flavors with the earthiness of yams creates a warming dish that is perfect for the cooler days of October. On our Foundations Menu, we offer The Kingston dish, which includes jerk chicken, or for vegetarians, a jerk yam option that highlights the same bold flavors.

SOUTH KOREA’S OCTOBER KIMCHI MAKING

In South Korea, October is the month for kimjang, the traditional practice of making kimchi to prepare for winter. Kimchi is made from freshly harvested vegetables like cabbage, radish, and scallions, and its fermentation process enhances the flavors over time. Spicy, tangy, and rich in probiotics, kimchi is a staple in South Korean meals throughout the colder months. In every Laroot meal delivery, we include kimchi, offering the same benefits of this time-honored tradition—providing warmth, supporting digestion, and adding vibrant flavors to your meals.

INDIA’S DIWALI CELEBRATION

In India, October is a time of celebration as people prepare for Diwali, the festival of lights. Diwali, which falls at the end of October and early November, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and is marked by sharing festive meals with loved ones. Families come together to prepare a variety of sweets and savory dishes, reflecting gratitude for the year’s harvest and the hope for prosperity in the future. October brings with it the anticipation of this joyful festival, where food, family, and light take center stage.

THE COMFORT OF OCTOBER’S SEASONAL DISHES

No matter where you are in the world, October is the perfect time to enjoy the seasonal dishes that bring comfort and warmth. Whether it’s the Three Sisters harvest, the heartiness of borscht, or the bold flavors of jerk seasoning, each meal reflects the beauty of the changing season. As the days grow shorter and cooler, these dishes remind us of the joy of sharing food with others and being grateful for what we have. October offers the opportunity to connect with these traditions and find comfort in seasonal, nourishing meals.