Pumpkin pie spice has far exceeded its pie seasoning origins. Originally formulated by McCormick in 1934 to take advantage of Libby's 1929 release of canned pumpkin, this blend can now be found in nearly every kind of fall food, not to mention a bunch of other non-food fall themed items.
Though McCormick touted it as a more versatile seasoning than the moniker suggested, pumpkin pie spice wasn't beloved in an omnipresent way until the early 2000s. Once "pumpkin spice" was incorporated into a Starbucks' seasonal latte offering, a cult following was formed inspiring annual pilgrimages and a certain desperation for the official commencement of sweater weather. The frenzy for the flavor has taken hold and each year folks find new ways to spread the taste into other food groups and, as mentioned, into categories beyond anything edible.
Our pumpkin pie spice blend has nutmeg as a star. Its nutty warmth shines in this mix and along with notes of ginger's sharp pungency it rounds out the sweetness of the blend's cinnamon base.
INGREDIENTS
Ground cinnamon, ground ginger root, ground nutmeg, ground allspice berries, ground cloves, ground mace.
TASTING NOTES
Our pumpkin pie spice blend lets nutmeg's warm nutty flavor shine while maintaining cinnamon's spicy sweetness. A bit of mace adds complexity.
AROMA
Aside from evoking fall, this pumpkin pie spice blend's aroma is potent. Enjoy its pungent sweetness.
CHARACTERISTICS
Richly colored, chocolate brown powder
PAIRINGS
Increase the sweetness of pumpkin pie spice by adding cinnamon. Pair with crystallized ginger in baked goods. Add pungency and bite with ground ginger.
USAGE
Smoothies, ice creams, syrups, lattes, roasted vegetables, soups, stews, and of course: pies.
PROCESSING / FORM
seasonal blend
Interestingly, pumpkin pie spice blend has no pumpkin in it!
