Woohooo, it's pumpkin spice season - everything about pumpkin spice

Fall has officially begun when you find the first red leaf and smell the scent of pumpkin spice all around you. But what is pumpkin spice and why has it become such an autumn classic? Read this, and how to make it yourself very easily.

What is pumpkin spice?

Pumpkin spice is a fragrant, warming spice blend often used in a variety of sweet fall dishes. It is a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. Interestingly, pumpkin spice often does not contain any pumpkin at all! The name actually comes from the traditional pumpkin pie , in which these spices are used to enhance the flavors of the pumpkin.

You can see pumpkin spice as the autumnal sister of the warm winter spice mixes such as speculaas spices, but slightly lighter and sweeter in taste.

Where does pumpkin spice come from?

Pumpkin spice has its roots in the United States, where it has been used in pumpkin pie since the 1800s. However, the spice mix’s popularity got a huge boost in 2003, when Starbucks introduced their iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte . This sweet, creamy coffee drink, packed with fall spices, quickly became a global phenomenon. Since then, pumpkin spice has gone from being used in pies to everything from cookies and cupcakes to granola and candles to even beauty products.

What do we use pumpkin spice for?

Pumpkin spice is versatile and works well in all sorts of dishes that need a warm, spicy kick. Here are a few ideas:

• Baking recipes : Think pumpkin spice muffins, pies, cookies and bread. Especially when combined with pumpkin puree, you get a delicious, moist texture.
• Hot Drinks : Of course, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is at the top of the list, but you can also add the spices to tea, hot chocolate, or chai for a fall vibe.
• Breakfast : Sprinkle pumpkin spice over your oatmeal, add it to your pancake batter, or mix it into your yogurt for a fragrant start to your day.
• Savory Dishes : It may sound surprising, but pumpkin spice can also add an extra layer of flavor to savory dishes like stews and curries.

Recipe 👉 Enjoy Fall with Pumpkin Spice Buns from Just Gimmie Fries

Fun Pumpkin Spice Facts

1. No Pumpkin Needed : Despite the name, pumpkin spice products often don’t contain any pumpkin at all! The spice mix is ​​primarily intended to bring out the flavors of pumpkin.
2. Health Benefits : The spices in pumpkin spice (such as cinnamon and ginger) are known for their health benefits. They can be anti-inflammatory and aid in digestion.
3. Seasonal hype : Pumpkin spice's popularity peaks every year in the fall. Especially in the US, people really look forward to the launch of seasonal products like the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
4. Global Trend : What started in the US has now become a global favorite. From Europe to Asia, everyone seems to be obsessed with pumpkin spice these days.

How do you make pumpkin spice yourself?

The best part? You can easily make pumpkin spice yourself! Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• Optional: 1 teaspoon ground allspice for added depth

Preparation

1. Mix all ingredients well in a small bowl.
2. Store the mix in an airtight jar, in a cool, dark place. It will last for months!
3. Use your homemade pumpkin spice to give cookies, cakes or drinks a delicious autumnal touch.

Recipe 👉 Vegan pumpkin pecan pie with chocolate from Lisa goes Vegan

Let's pumpkin spice!

Try your hand at pumpkin spice this season. Add it to your favorite baking recipe or experiment with new dishes. Have a tasty recipe? Share it with us in the comments!