Hi Reader,

Right now, my kitchen smells like oranges and sugar and winter slowly turning toward spring.

I’ve been spending pockets of time this week making marmalade from the orange tree at our home here in Northern California. The fruit is beautiful—and very tart. Not the kind you snack on casually, but exactly the kind that wants to become marmalade.

There are rows of jars cooling on the counter (I’ll share a photo below), and as usual, something very ordinary has turned into a small Ayurvedic lesson.

Late winter is a funny time. Many people notice their digestion feels a little… off. Not terrible, just not sharp. Heavier meals linger. Appetite is inconsistent. Sugar cravings show up but don’t actually satisfy.

In Ayurveda, we’d say digestive fire—agni—often runs lower this time of year. Rather than fixing that with restriction or “doing better,” the tradition encourages awakening digestion gently.

This is where bitter and sour tastes shine.

Those tart oranges? They’re doing real work. Bitter peel, sour juice, cooked slowly with heat and intention. Sweetness isn’t added to numb the bitterness—it’s there to balance it. That’s marmalade. And honestly, that’s also good digestion.

One thing I want to say clearly: food as medicine does not mean perfection.

This marmalade uses sugar. There’s no added pectin, no special tricks, no wellness badge attached. And still—prepared seasonally, slowly, with attention—it can be supportive rather than disruptive. Ayurveda cares deeply about how food is made and eaten, not just what’s on the ingredient list.

Here’s a simple reflection to sit with this week:

Do the foods I’m choosing right now support my digestion—or distract me from it?

No judgment. Just curiosity.

A small aside, since many of you have asked: I do have a limited batch of this orange marmalade available while the oranges last.

• 8 oz / ½ pint jars
• $10 per jar with shipping, or $8 local pickup at FolkYoga SF
• Made with organic oranges, sugar, and a traditional recipe (no added pectin)

If you’re interested, you can simply reply to this email.

And if digestion, energy, or seasonal rhythms have been on your mind lately, I offer free 15-minute introductory Ayurvedic calls. They’re relaxed, practical, and a chance to see if working together would support you right now.

You can book one here: Calendly link​

Or, as always, you’re welcome to just hit reply.

I’ll keep sharing these Weekly Musings—Ayurveda as it shows up in real life, yoga, food, and the changing seasons. Thank you for being here.

Best,

Marisa

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