There’s no pumpkin in pumpkin spice, and other fun fall facts.
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Every fall in the United States, many Americans give a silent thanks for the retreat of the sizzling hot days of summer and turn their eyes to autumn. Ah, October! As the days shorten, crisper weather appears along with the gradual turning of leaves from green to gold. And what’s that alluring scent in the air? Along with ripe apples, the coming of fall is accompanied more and more by the advent of . . . what is it? It’s pumpkin spice!
But just what is this evanescent aroma, and how is it that Americans have gotten so hooked on it? A little research has turned up some interesting information about just where pumpkin spice came from, and why it now seems as associated with autumn as flag football and chilly breezes.
Pumpkin spice has long been associated with pumpkin pie, particularly in the U.S., where it is traditionally used in fall and winter holiday baking. Given its longstanding use as a savory scent-enhancer in pies, over generations it’s come to symbolize the olfactory partner of the holiday hearth, dinner with the family, and Mom’s (and Grandma’s) kitchen. However, starting in the early 2000s, pumpkin spice made its way beyond its traditional culinary applications to become widely popular for use in beverages and other non-pie products.
Work up an appetite watching this tasty MagellanTV documentary!
Give Thanks (or Blame) to Starbucks
In the fall of 2003, veteran coffee vendor Starbucks introduced something new to its seasonal offerings. It launched the Pumpkin Spice Latte, with limited availability, only lasting through the holidays. The beverage combined warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, but without actual pumpkin. Notice that? Despite what you may think when you quaff a steamy cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte, there’s no actual pumpkin in it at all – such is the strength of the mind’s associations with significant smells.
Despite initial doubts from the corporate team about how well it would sell, it quickly became one of Starbucks’ most successful seasonal drinks. This limited-time latte helped cement the association of pumpkin spice with cozy, autumnal flavors. Over that decade, Starbucks’ signature fall beverage became more and more popular, eclipsing other seasonal offerings such as its peppermint hot chocolate.
Many people began eagerly anticipating its return each fall. This created a trend, and other companies started introducing pumpkin spice–flavored products such as coffee creamers, baked goods, and even non-food items like candles and air fresheners. Social media played a huge role in its popularity, with many fans sharing their excitement for the return of pumpkin spice season each year. Starbucks reports that it has sold more than 600 million Pumpkin Spice Lattes since the product’s launch.
Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice
Creating your own pumpkin spice for use in cooking, or even simply scenting a room during the holidays, is as easy as pie – maybe easier. Just gather the ingredients listed below and follow the recipe. You could be the hit of your holiday parties, using olfactory sensations to give your guests a memorable feeling of familial warmth and goodwill.
(Credit: Robert Dell, via Wikimedia Commons)
Pumpkin Spice Recipe
– 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
– 1½ teaspoons ground allspice
– 1½ teaspoons ground cloves
Instructions
1. Combine all the spices in a small bowl.
2. Whisk together until well blended.
3. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
This homemade blend is versatile and can be used in recipes like pumpkin pies, lattes, muffins, or even savory dishes for a warm, spiced touch!
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Title Image Source: Adobe Stock Images
