National Pumpkin Spice Day

The story

Pumpkin spice is a warm blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice, the same mix traditionally used to season pumpkin pie. Despite the name, the blend contains no pumpkin at all. Its roots go back centuries: the spices came to Europe and the Americas through the global spice trade, and recipes for pumpkin pie spiced this way appear in American Cookery, the first American cookbook, published by Amelia Simmons in 1796.

Spice companies began selling ready-made pumpkin pie spice in the 1930s, but the blend became a cultural phenomenon in 2003, when Starbucks introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte. The drink turned into one of the company's best-selling seasonal beverages and inspired a wave of pumpkin spice products, from cereals and cookies to candles, coffee creamer, and even dog treats. Its arrival each year has become an unofficial signal that fall has begun.

At home, the blend is easy to mix and works far beyond pie. Stir it into oatmeal, pancakes, muffins, and whipped cream, sprinkle it on roasted squash or sweet potatoes, or add a pinch to coffee or hot cider.

On National Pumpkin Spice Day, order a seasonal latte, bake something cozy, or mix your own spice blend to welcome autumn.