It’s the flavour of autumnal coffees, cakes, and pies, so today we’re looking at pumpkin spice!
And here’s the secret: it doesn’t contain any pumpkin…
So, what is it?
It’s a blend of spices traditionally used to flavour sweet pumpkin pies in the USA and it’s become hugely popular here in the UK.
Did you know…?
- Originally called “pumpkin pie spice,” it was commercially sold first in the 1950s to flavour pumpkin pie, a key ingredient in US Thanksgiving celebrations.
- The individual spices used have a long history – some including nutmeg and cinnamon originate from the “Spice Islands” (Banda Islands) and South East Asia.
- Coffee chain Starbucks introduced of the pumpkin spice latte in 2003, popularising the flavour.
- It has become the chain’s most popular seasonal drink. From 2003 to 2021, it sold more than 424 million in the US alone.
- The global pumpkin spice products market was valued at £823m in 2003, and is expected to rise to £1.7bn by 2031.
- Its success is built on the blend’s association with warm and comforting memories evoked by its taste and aroma, scientists say.
You don’t have to go to a coffee shop to enjoy it. We’ll show you how to make your own blend to use in your lattes and baking.
How to make your own blend…
Take:
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- Half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- Half a teaspoon of ground ginger
- Quarter of a teaspoon of ground cloves
Mix in a small bowl to make eight servings. Double the ingredients for 16 servings.
Store in an airtight jar until ready to use.
How to make your own homemade pumpkin spice latte with real pumpkin
Take 2 teaspoons of puréed pumpkin and put it in a large heatproof glass or mug, stir in a good pinch of your pumpkin spice blend, stir in 30ml of espresso or strong black coffee, heat 250ml of milk until frothy and steaming, pour into the glass or mug and spoon in the froth, stir, and dust with more pumpkin spice.
See what we make with seasonal ingredients in our sample menus.
