1. There’s no pumpkin in pumpkin spice.
Despite the name, pumpkin spice typically contains cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, with allspice sometimes included in some versions.
The blend was designed to complement the sweet, earthy flavour of pumpkin.
When you taste a “pumpkin spice” latte, you’re really tasting sweet baking spices that pair well with milk and sugar. Cinnamon is typically the dominant note, giving that familiar warm, earthy aroma.
Despite the name, pumpkin spice typically contains cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, with allspice sometimes included in some versions.
The blend was designed to complement the sweet, earthy flavour of pumpkin.
When you taste a “pumpkin spice” latte, you’re really tasting sweet baking spices that pair well with milk and sugar. Cinnamon is typically the dominant note, giving that familiar warm, earthy aroma.
Pumpkin Spice Lattes (PSL) quickly became the company’s most popular seasonal drink and now anchors Autumn/Fall menus across the coffee industry.
Many chains now release their own versions in late summer to meet the overwhelming demand, but the craze doesn’t just call Starbucks home; you can pick up a PSL at almost any coffee shop during the cozy season.
Home bakers often create a simple, balanced blend: for example, 3 tablespoons of cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of ginger, 2 teaspoons of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of allspice, and 1 teaspoon of cloves.
Stir to combine and store in an airtight jar. This ratio keeps cinnamon in the lead while letting ginger and nutmeg shine, with clove and allspice adding depth.
Once you’ve got a good base, you can try experimenting with different ratios. For example, more ginger will brighten the overall flavour, while clove will soften it.
Yes, pumpkin season is here again … from pumpkin spice lattes to big Halloween decorations, this savoury orange fruit will be everywhere you look including this blog as I'm sure there will be more about pumpkins including recipes coming soon.
All the best Jan
30 comments:
Very interesting! I didn't know there was no pumpkin in it.
Fascinating, Jan. Thank you for sharing this.
No, didn't. know that!!
Pumpkins are everywhere.
Thank you for sharing these facts.
Tina
I did know this! 🎃
I use that combination of spices when making pumpkin pie. Can't be beat!
No pumpkin in pumpkin spice? Hard to believe.
Gracias por la información. Te mando un beso y te deseo un buen fin de semana
I avoid anything that includes spice so have never tried pumpkin spice.
How interesting. I've not seen, not heard of pumpkin latte here in Western Australia.
Thanks for the DIY pumpkin pie spice
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
So interesting, never thought about what is in pumpkin spice!-Christine cmlk79.blofspot.com
Sounds like a great mix to add to a cake batter.
Didn't know about pumpkin spice, Jan.
You learn something new every day—thanks for sharing!!! Have a great weekend!!
Really interesting information about pumpkin pie. Thank you :-)
Pumpkin is a food I’ve always enjoyed—and still do; it has everything going for it.
Have a great weekend.
Best regards.
It’s funny how apple pie spices are now second to pumpkin pie spices. Apples and coffee just don’t have a marketable flavor. 😂
I’m waiting for squash spiced soup to take off.
May
That's a good point about no pumpkin in pumpkin spice. I'm not a coffee drinker, so I never thought about that before.
I didn't know that either, Jan.
That sounds yummy!
I knew that! I don't buy "pumpkin spice" I have always found it to be flat whereas using the individual cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, with allspice really was flavorful! I find that also with any combination of spices or herbs. For fuller flavor, use them separately.
Well Im craving pumpkin pie - I prefer a homemade one with a flaky crust! I'm very picky about my pie crusts! I blame it on my Foods Class in Home Economics, back in the day. I remember my teacher would count the layers on the side of the pie crust. Must have flaky layers!!! 🎃
Thanks for the info—and for the homemade spice blend for personal use!
Have a good weekend, hugs elke
This is so interesting Jan, thank you very much. I am making a note of the spice blend. Wishing you a wonderful weekend and all the best, Denise.
Our daughter is always sending me messages about all the pumpkin spice stuff she sees in the stores there in the US--all kinds of food and even body wash and shampoo! It's only been in the last year or two that I've seen coffee places here touting pumpkin spice lattes.
I knew there was no pumpkin in it because I baked pumpkin spice cake last year.
I did know this. Even though I don't drink lattes. I bought some pumpkin spice one time. It was so bland I had to add my own to it. Have a nice day today.
Sometimes if a recipe calls for cinnamon and I'm out, pumpkin spice is a good substitute. But overall, I prefer to use the spices individually in a recipe.
I do love the smell of all those spices together, it just makes me think of fall when I smell them.
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