Read our latest blog to find out about all things pumpkin spice.
Most pumpkin spice blends include, at a minimum, these three spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Ginger, allspice, or aniseed may be included in certain variants. Home preparation is fairly straightforward, and it is simple to tailor the flavour to suit individual preferences.
Pumpkin spice was first sold under the name “pumpkin pie spice” when it was first introduced to the United States market. It was created specifically for the purpose of seasoning pumpkin pies (which are an autumnal and Thanksgiving staple in many American households).
McCormick, a manufacturer of spices, seasoning mixes, and condiments, is credited with being the first firm to coin the term “pumpkin pie”. However, similar mixes had been present in grocery stores in the United States since the 1950s (at least). Prior to that time, people would also sometimes mix it as "fall spices."
Many people think that the 1621 harvest feast that started America's Thanksgiving tradition is where pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice had their start. However, the dish and spice mix probably didn't appear until much later. Indeed, it is more reasonable to suppose that American colonists ate pumpkins in the same way as American Indians did—by roasting, simmering in soups and stews, making savoury sauces, and using the fruit to make bread and cakes. Like many cherished traditional cuisines, pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice recipes most likely slowly developed through family recipes, accidents, experimentation and recipe sharing.
A very American British passion
When pumpkin spice became more commonly available in supermarkets, people finally had the opportunity to get creative with the spice mix. But the real start of the pumpkin spice obsession may be dated back to the 1990s when baristas first began experimenting with beverages and coffee flavoured with pumpkin spice.
When Starbucks introduced the first version of their renowned pumpkin spice latte in 2003, it solidified pumpkin spice's position as THE autumnal beverage. In the United States, this latte flavour swiftly rose to cult status. In the years that followed, it was added to Starbucks menus all around the world, introducing the whole world to the fun flavour.
Pumpkin spice lattes fans didn't hold back when it came to professing their love for the beverage online, which contributed to the trend becoming a global sensation. Regardless of where they are from, pumpkin spice is now firmly entrenched in the spirit of autumn for many people. This is also true in the UK, where the majority of coffee shops now offer pumpkin spice lattes as soon as the summer holidays finish.
If you're not a fan of coffee, don't worry! The cult favourite spice combination may now be enjoyed in a variety of fun and tasty ways. You can opt to buy scented or flavoured products such as caramels, pastries, nutrition bars, chocolate, syrup, cosmetics, and much more.
You can also easily add pumpkin spice to your everyday cooking and baking! Indeed, the delicious spice mix can be added to bread, baked goods, hot drinks, soups, cocktails and more. The only limit is your imagination.
If you are not sure how to do that, the Holy Lama is here to help! We have created our very own Pumpkin Spices Natural Extract Spice Drops to make it easier for pumpkin spice lovers to flavour food and drinks to their heart’s content. We’ve added some pumpkin spice inspiration to our recipe page. You’ll find recipes for fig & pumpkin spice jam, pumpkin spice French toast and pumpkin spice granola.
No more long shopping lists, confusing expiration dates, messy mixing or cumbersome spice jars. One product for all of your pumpkin spice needs. You simply need to add a few drops to your favourite dish or drink to enjoy the warm embrace of pumpkin spice.
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