If you love the famous pumpkin spice latte that starts to flood a chain of coffee shops from mid-September, you will be fascinated by the story behind this iconic autumn flavor, which we can find in all kinds of desserts, drinks, and sweets.

What is pumpkin spice?

Also known as pumpkin pie spice, this flavor is achieved through the blend of spices such as ground cinnamon , cloves, nutmeg, although some recipes also require ginger and allspice. While today it is used to prepare hot drinks and frappés, this blend is also used to make the traditional pumpkin pie, cookies, bread, among other products.

It is worth mentioning that the most popular flavor of autumn does not include pumpkin, but it got its name because it was the ideal blend to give an extra touch of flavor to pumpkin pie, the quintessential American dessert.

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Where did pumpkin spice originate?

The pumpkin pie spice blend originated many years ago and is closely tied to trade and colonialism.

The Dutch East India Company was responsible for trading spices that were only found in Asia, which were integrated into Dutch cuisine. Years later, these aromatic ingredients could be found all over the world.



By 1796, the spice blend had arrived on the American continent. The first American cook and author to include this blend in her dishes was Amelia Simmons. It is worth mentioning that her cookbook already included the famous pumpkin pie, while her spice blend was made with nutmeg and ginger.

What we currently know as pumpkin spice was created in 1950 by the McCormick brand. However, the spice blend did not gain widespread popularity until 2003 when a coffee chain launched its famous pumpkin spice latte. Since then, this autumn drink has been available at these coffee shops from mid-September.

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Does pumpkin spice have health benefits?

According to Cedars Sinai hospital, the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves contains a significant amount of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which is excellent for the immune system.

On one hand, cinnamon and nutmeg are spices rich in salicylic acid, a substance that helps combat inflammation. While cinnamon is effective in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels, it also increases good cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

In the case of ginger, this root is widely known for its multiple benefits, as it helps relieve nausea, sore throats, menstrual cramps, and pain caused by osteoarthritis.

How to prepare pumpkin spice?

If you want to prepare your own blend for drinks and desserts, at kiwilimón, we tell you how.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons of ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons of nutmeg
• 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cloves

Instructions

1. Combine all the spices in a container and stir until well mixed. Store in a jar or well-sealed container.

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The best pumpkin recipes

• Pumpkin Pie
• No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
  
• Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese
• Pumpkin Flan
• Easy Pumpkin Cream
• Traditional Candied Pumpkin
• Chocolate and Pumpkin Tart
• Pumpkin Mousse with Creamy Cheese