October 01: National Pumpkin Spice Day

National Pumpkin Spice Day
Pumpkin Spices, Pumpkin Spice Drinks, Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

National Pumpkin Spice Day has been around since at least 2015. Pumpkin pie spice, or just pumpkin spice, is an American spice mix. It does not have pumpkin as it’s used to as a spice mixture for pumpkin pie. “Mixed spice” is the equivalent British blend.

One of the first mentions of a spice blend in this type of combination is from a 1796 cookbook, American Cookery by Amelia Simmons. The spices then were mace, nutmeg, and ginger. Pumpkin pie spice has been referenced in cookbooks since the 1890s. Due to its popularity, several spice companies created the blend for sale. McCormick, the world’s largest spice seller, introduced its “pumpkin pie spice” in 1934.

Today, it’s typically a combination of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. This blend is used in most fruit pies, cakes, muffins, custards, cheesecakes, cookies, pancakes, scones, coffee drinks, hot chocolate, cocktail, and more.

Starbucks’s Pumpkin Spice Latte debuted in the fall of 2003. This drink became so popular, it’s often credited with the surge of pumpkin spice related treats and scents (like in candles). Starbucks brings it back every fall. In the United States, it become another signal that autumn has come.

To make your own Pumpkin Spice blend combine:
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoons ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Adjust the amounts to suit your particular taste.

You Might Also Like:

⇴ images from Pixabay.com

Share It:
Skip to content