Pumpkin Spice For Autumn

Autumn is here and I can't stop thinking about pumpkins and pumpkin spice! I recently tried Greggs' Pumpkin Spice Latte and was very disappointed. It tasted like cough syrup and contained 28 grams of sugar! It tasted very sweet and artificial. Unfortunately, I can't find an ingredients list, but it's obvious that there isn't any pumpkin. I hear Starbucks' version doesn't taste great either (it has 20 grams of sugar). I think I'm definitely better off making my own version at home. I'm sure lattes don't include pumpkin in the recipe, as Starbucks states 'pumpkin flavoured sauce' (and Greggs calls it 'pumpkin flavoured syrup' *cringing at the word syrup*).

Let's Face It

Pumpkin isn't in Pumpkin Spice Lattes, but a lot of sugar is!

Pumpkin Spice Mix

a warm spicy-sweet flavour, usually a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice

Mc Cormick Pumpkin Pie Mix is popular in America, but unfortunately it isn't as easy to find a good mix here in the U.K. Mixed Spice is very similar, though better for savoury dishes (specifically Caribbean), because of the high proportion of coriander in the blend. Don't forget the health benefits of the spices. Check out everything pumpkin spice.

Fun Fact: don't buy the large dark orange Halloween carving style pumpkins for eating, or you will not be happy - good edible pumpkins aren't always easy to find in supermarkets, so you will have a better bet looking at little international style produce shops on the high street

Pumpkin Dishes to Try

Pumpkin Mash - Pumpkin Soup - Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Nutrition - Why Pumpkin is a Winner

Health Benefits

THINK potassium (aids in hydration & muscle function) / iron/ zinc / fiber (helps digestion) / antioxidants / Vit A & C / beta-carotene (aids in glowing skin & immunity) MAY help prevent cataracts (Vitamin A and Lutein may protect eyesight) / help lower risks of cancer (Vit C & A & antioxidants) / support healthy joints

Checkout these infographics & recipes on Pinterest for all of the data!