A brief history of pumpkin spice

Pumpkin spice is a popular seasoning blend made with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. It is commonly used in fall-themed foods and drinks, particularly pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice latte.

The earliest use of pumpkin spice can be traced back to medieval times, when spices were used to add flavor to sweet and savory dishes. In the 19th century, pumpkin pie became a traditional American dessert during the Thanksgiving holiday. The use of cinnamon and nutmeg in pumpkin pie inspired the idea of a pumpkin spice blend.

“The spice blend has long been a part of the American baking tradition,” says Food & Wine Magazine. “In fact, there are two recipes for spice-filled “pompkin” pie in Amelia Simmons’ 1798 reprint of her cookbook American Cookery; one made with nutmeg and ginger, the other with allspice and ginger.”

In the 1930s, spice companies began selling pre-made pumpkin spice blends for home baking. The popularity of pumpkin spice grew in the 1990s and 2000s, with the introduction of seasonal pumpkin spice products by major food and beverage companies such as Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts.

The launch of the Pumpkin Spice Latte by Starbucks in 2003 set off a boom in pumpkin spice products.

Today, pumpkin spice has become a cultural phenomenon with a devoted fanbase. It has also sparked debate over its overuse and commercialization, with some critics claiming it has become a marketing gimmick rather than a genuine flavor trend. Nevertheless, pumpkin spice remains a beloved flavor of the fall season.