Meals served at the temple are based on a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables with a minimum of spices and other stimulants, designed to provide adequate nutrition, while enabling you to remain mentally alert. We include both cooked and raw foods, designed to fit the serving requirements of the classic oryioki system of ancient China & Japan. The meals include whole grains and some tofu, but avoid wheat and processed foods, although hearty breads and cookies are occasionally served. The meals are always vegetarian, but with vegan options when requested.
We try and include all five flavors: simple or bland, hot or spicy, sour, sweet, and bitter; and the five colors: red, green, white, yellow or orange, & black, blue or purple. Salt, the sixth taste, should also be included as a condiment, but usually not added to the food itself, as some need to reduce their salt intake.
I will share our favorite recipes on this blog from time to time and provide more background on the oryioki tradition of temple fare.
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