Around the Bluhmin’ Town

By

Judy Bluhm

Cinnamon. Ginger. Nutmeg. Allspice. The holy grail of spices. The pumpkin spice season is in full swing. So how, exactly, did this “autumn flavor” gain so much popularity in America that it has practically formed its own culture? Look at coffee shops with the lines of people sitting in their vehicles, eagerly ordering pumpkin spice lattes! The coffee flavor was first experimented with by Starbucks in the 1990s, then launching the now-famous latte in 2003, setting off a pumpkin spice craze.

Psychologists claim that the aroma of pumpkin spice conjures up pleasant memories of cooler weather, cozy kitchens, leaves falling and happy times. Evidently, pumpkin spice can increase serotonin production and improve people’s moods. Maybe we all need a big cup of spiced up java, right about now. Because it might make people a lot less crabby.

Twenty million of these “pumpkin lattes,” are sold each year, at just about every coffee joint in America. They can barely keep up with the demand. But wait, it gets weirder. Americans spend about half a billion bucks on pumpkins spice products every Autumn! Pumpkin scented candles, coffee, trash bags, beer, bagels, popcorn, and pies are but a few of the ways that consumers show the “pumpkin- love.” But why?

The history of pumpkin spice goes back to cookbooks written as early as 1796 and indigenous people were making a baked pumpkin concoction long before that. McCormick first came out with pumpkin pie spice in 1934 just before Thanksgiving, and a star spice was born. It flew off the shelves, cementing the flavors that seem to represent Americana.

So here we are. A nation united! In our deep devotion to pumpkin spice. We love it in everything. Even frozen meatballs, cereal and twinkies. (A terrifying thought). Come to think of it, what horror have we created? Now this flavor has made its way into cream cheese, yogurt and crackers!

We Americans also love our pumpkins. Oh, give us a round orange ball to proudly display on porches, steps, patios and walkways and let’s celebrate the season! There is much more to the fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) than a latte or pie. Over 800 million pumpkins are produced and sold, each year in the United States! And they all ripen in September and October. No wonder our grocery stores are filled with bins of gorgeous gourds. Well, not only do people enjoy pumpkins, so do javelinas.

I think javelinas love to devour a tasty decorative pumpkin as much as people seem addicted to lattes! I found this out when I happily (stupidly) placed about eight pumpkins around my front walkway. When I woke up to a ruckus one night, I looked out to see a family of six big javelinas with orange gooey faces destroying my autumn display with great enthusiasm.

Dear Readers, enjoy the cooler weather with a big pumpkin spiked latte. It will be sure to elevate your mood. Yikes, I meant to say, “spiced.” Okay, drink whatever. It will make you feel so gourd.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local realtor. Contact Judy at [email protected] or visit www.aroundthebluhmintown.com.