Pumpkin Spice Everything: What's the Deal?

Better believe it - it’s that time of year again when the sweaters come out of storage, and stores and homes across America turn into an all-encompassing ode to the bright orange gourd that single-handedly represents everything we love about fall.

Pumpkin spice season has arrived.

But what is it about this flavor craze that’s taken the world by storm? Love it or hate it, you’ve gotta tip your hat to good ol’ pumpkin spice everything - It certainly doesn’t seem like it’s going away anytime soon!

Let’s dive into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about this cool-weather spice blend stirring people into a frenzy, and find out why pumpkin spice got its cult-classic status as the fall flavor...

A Rich History

While it might seem like a relatively modern cultural phenomenon fueled by Instagram likes and its festive holiday-related associations, pumpkin spice itself is nothing new.

Originating from the Maluku Islands off the coast of Indonesia, which would become the central hub of the spice trade in the 16th century, the Dutch are credited with coining the special blend, or “speculaaskruiden”. 

THE CULTURAL PHENOMENON

Centuries later in 2003, a certain coffee shop chain we all know and love (or not so much, depending who you ask!) introduced the notorious Pumpkin Spice Latté.

Flash forward to today, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a café, bakery or confectionery shop without their own contribution to the pumpkin spice craze.

WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?

So, what makes this ubiquitous spice profile so popular in the fall? According to everyone surveyed on the subject, pumpkin spiced treats are full of comforting nostalgia - they take us back to cozy days with family during the holidays, snuggling up in our favorite coats and scarves, and sharing indulgent baked treats with our nearest and dearest.

For all it’s worth, the connotations of pumpkin spice sure do appear to hold a deeply personal meaning for everyone!

If you’ve somehow been living under a rock and have managed to dodge the pumpkin spice trend, you still may be asking what all the hype is about… But for that answer, you’ll just have to try it for yourself- better yet, make it yourself!

Go On, You Know You Want To…

To whip up your own batch of pumpkin spice mix to use in baking, brews and everything in between, it couldn’t be simpler. Just combine everything in a jar and you’re ready to go! The standard spice profile today includes:

Cinnamon  •  Ginger  •  Nutmeg  •  Allspice  •  Cloves 

You can’t really go wrong with this equal parts formula (with the same ratio of each spice), but you can always play around and adjust the spice balance to your liking, for a custom house blend of sorts.

It makes an excellent holiday gift too, packaged up in a pretty glass bottle you’ve decorated with festive handmade labels, ribbons and pumpkin decorations!

Simply mix the ground spices together in a bowl and viola! It’s ready to incorporate into pies, cakes, coffee, hot chocolate, soup, tea, and whatever else you can think of for a festive kick. 

Speaking of which, here’s how to make that pumpkin spiced latté at home while you’re at it (we know you’re craving it now):

What you'll need:

• 1 cup Milk of your choice 
• 1/2 cup strong brewed Coffee 
• 2 tbsp Pumpkin Puree 
• 1.5 tbsp Sugar 
• 1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice 
•  Whipped Cream & toppings (optional)

How to make it:

1. Brew some coffee using your preferred method. 
2. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan & bring to a simmer.
3. Turn off heat & transfer to your BEAST or Coffee Mug. 
4. Top it with whipped cream and some pumpkin pie spice, a cinnamon stick, or even some fun sprinkles in a seasonal color scheme.

Now that you’ve taken the time to concoct a decadent pumpkin spice latté using your very own spice blend, it would be a shame to let it get cold… This gourd-geous drink should be enjoyed piping hot to celebrate all its steamy, sweet and spicy bliss!

Keep it warm and toasty for hours to come with a little help from Greens Steel: Take your pick from our thermally insulated Coffee Cup,  or sip on an extra-large PSL in our massive BEAST Tumbler.

You’ll be sipping on cozy pumpkin spiced goodness all fall long, and take it to go so you can imbibe whenever, wherever - all without the hassle and waste of to-go cups.

Stay cozy out there!
Maggie Johnson | Greens Steel Lifestyle Contributor