You know it, you love it and you can finally enjoy it again. Pumpkin spice season is back and better than ever.
The coffee flavor has no doubt taken the world by storm. Anticipation consumes the mind of any Starbucks regular every year. The autumnal season isn't marked by Sept. 23, which is the date of the fall equinox. Let's not fool ourselves: fall is really marked by the return of the infamous pumpkin spice flavor.
To understand why pumpkin spice is so popular, one should consider its history and rise to fame.
Take a guess at when you think the flavor was first invented. Some may say around 2014 in peak Tumblr era when infinity scarves and sock buns were all the rage. Others could argue it was a bit further back to 2003 when Starbucks originally began using the pumpkin flavor in their coffee.
To understand when pumpkin spice was invented, it's important to understand its ingredients. Most types of pumpkin spice include cinnamon, ginger, cloves and, most importantly, nutmeg.
One of the Banda Islands of Indonesia, Pulau Ay, is considered a "Spice Island" because it was the only place that nutmeg was known to grow. The earliest trace comes from about 3,500 years ago. When the Dutch took control of the islands in the early 17th century, the Dutch East India Company spread spices throughout the world and to the British colonies.
Eventually, the first official recipe for pumpkin spice surfaced in 1796 when a woman named Amelia Simmons created the recipe and released it in the first American cookbook calling it "Pumpkin Pie Spice."
Pumpkin Pie Spice was created as a way to get all necessary flavors for a pumpkin pie, while — ironically — not including any real pumpkin. Pumpkin spice has literal centuries of heritage and depth. No doubt, Simmons would be proud of the cult following her concept has acquired.
In the early 1990s, people began to use the blend in coffee. The rest is history.
Now that the history of pumpkin spice is clear, it seems easier to understand the nostalgia that surrounds it. Whether you enjoy it with your coffee, candles, baked goods or just the smell alone, it has evolved and gained popularity in ways that no one could have predicted.
Opinions on it are multifarious, but the greatness of pumpkin spice cannot be denied — especially in its peak season.
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The report titled "Fall's favorite spice blend has a violent history" set the scene of the Dutch's 1621 invasion of the Banda Islands (located in modern day Indonesia), detailing that "Thousands were killed, others enslaved, and many who fled to the mountains were starved out."
What is the big deal about pumpkin spice? ›
Some think it relates way back to our colony days where pumpkins were one of the only crops the settlers could sustain and so, subconsciously, pumpkin reminds us of our roots. Others believe that the seasonal appeal of the pumpkin-flavor is what creates the allure. Either way, the pumpkin spice craze is here to stay.
What is the history of pumpkin pie spice? ›
The origin of pumpkin spice dates back to the Dutch East India Company. The ingredients that make up pumpkin spice—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice—are native to Southeast Asian islands. This spice was discovered on a few island groups as well as ancient pottery shards in Indonesia.
What is the story of pumpkin spice? ›
Early American settlers didn't use the blend like we do today, but the same ingredients were used to preserve fall harvests of meat, fruit, and vegetables. That was until 1796, when Amelia Simmons penned a recipe using the spices in the first American cookbook.
What WTF is pumpkin spice? ›
Pumpkin spice, also known as pumpkin pie spice, is a mixture of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Some pumpkin spice mixes might leave out a spice or two, but most consist of at least two or three of the spices listed above.
Does pumpkin spice turn guys on? ›
With a lavender garnish. The Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation of Chicago in the 90s conducted a study to see which scent men found the most alluring. The study found that the men's favorite scent was pumpkin, and when mixed with lavender they were even more thrilled by the scent.
Why is pumpkin spice so addictive? ›
Scarcity, flavor, and nostalgia equal obsession.
The taste of pumpkin spice may be desirable due to its scarcity, as it's only available during the fall. In addition to flavor and taste, pumpkin spice can also create nostalgia.
Why is America obsessed with pumpkin spice? ›
"Fall flavors like pumpkin spice evoke strong reactions because they tap into nostalgia and the brain's reward system," he said, similar to the way a person turns to comfort foods. The nature of autumn, with the shrinking days and colder temperatures, helps drive these feelings of nostalgia and comfort, Johnson said.
Is there a difference between pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin spice? ›
Both blends contain many of the same ingredients, including cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. The difference comes down to two spices: ginger and cloves.
What does pumpkin spice symbolize? ›
Pumpkin Spice embodies the 4 P's: potency, protection, passion, and prosperity.
In 1675 the first recipe to call for the mix of pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon known today as pumpkin spice was used. The four spices can also be combined with ginger and all spice depending on where you live. A company known to prepackage these spices in a handy shaker started doing so in the late 1930's.
What does pumpkin spice do to you? ›
Improves blood sugar control: Cinnamon, one of the main ingredients in pumpkin spice, has been shown to improve blood sugar control in people with Type 2 Diabetes. Reduces inflammation: Chronic inflammation can lead to health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
Why do people go crazy for pumpkin spice? ›
Scarcity, flavor, and nostalgia equal obsession.
The taste of pumpkin spice may be desirable due to its scarcity, as it's only available during the fall. In addition to flavor and taste, pumpkin spice can also create nostalgia.
What is the science behind pumpkin spice? ›
When the brain “digests” the taste of a PSL — or even sees news that it's back on Starbucks menus — it triggers wholesome memories that send warm, cozy vibes through the body.
What was the violent history of nutmeg? ›
The challenges to gain full control over the production of the Nutmeg plagued the Dutch so intensely, and in order to consolidate their rule over the Nutmeg producing territories did not only resort to threatening the local population, killing the chieftains in the process, but also banned the exportation of the spice ...
