Spice Advice: Pumpkin Spice

Ah, pumpkin spice. The flavour that has taken over the Fall season like a warm and cozy blanket.

But where did this blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, mace, and clove even come from? You’re about to be so glad you asked, flavour friends. For starters, Pumpkin spice has a rich history dating back to the Dutch East India Company, so you know it’s not just some basic fad.

Its ingredients are native to the Southeast Asian Islands and are found in traditional dishes and medicines from that area.

Archeologists have even discovered ancient nutmeg residue on ceramic pottery shards located in Indonesia’s Banda Islands, a.k.a. The Spice Islands.  When the Dutch took control of The Spice Islands in the early 17th century, they created a blend called Speculaaskruiden that was similar to pumpkin spice but included cardamom and white pepper. This spice became so popular in Dutch desserts that its makeup spread across borders.

Nowadays, our spicy lil friend is the star of the show in lattes, pies, and pretty much anything else you can think of. She’s always been a popular gal, but she’s still really nice. You just have to get to know her.

The earliest-known use of pumpkin spice was in a British recipe from 1675, where it was called pumpion pye. This original spice blend featured pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. In the Americas, the popularity of Pumpkin Pie Spice rose during the 20th century with its introduction commercially in 1934. Honestly, it's not hard to see why people have always been totally freakin’ for Pumpkin Spice. The stuff is good! The warm and sweet flavor profile with just a touch of spiciness? C’mon! It’s like a comforting little hug in a cup. It's like wrapping your tastebuds in your favorite sweater (or shacket - it is Fall!). Picture it: you’ve got your favorite record playing, the leaves are falling, the pie is baking, the latte is getting an extra sprinkle of Pumpkin Spice on top, and all is right in the world. 

So, embrace the craze, live a little, and indulge in the warm and cozy goodness that is pumpkin spice. You officially have permission.