As one of the most beloved seasons in the United States, fall is the perfect time of year to sit outside with a cup of hot coffee and watch the leaves change colors. With seasonal essentials like pumpkin spice lattes, apple cinnamon candles, and cranberry orange mulling spices, it is no wonder why fall is regarded as one of the most comforting seasons. Although almost everyone is familiar with these popular fall flavors, it is easy to wonder how they came to be associated with the autumn season in the first place.
Pumpkin spice, undeniably one of the most popular seasonal flavors, is everywhere during autumn. From the famous Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks to the pumpkin scented body lotions at Trader Joe’s, this trend is something that continues to get even more popular year after year. Believe it or not, the first “pumpkin pie” spice dates back 3,500 years to Indonesia. The spices most commonly used in this pumpkin spice mixture: nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, are all native to South and Southeast Asia. These spices eventually reached Europe in the 17th century through the Dutch East India Company, and later, the American colonists would use this spice to flavor baked goods. Although the history of pumpkin spice dates back thousands of years, we have only seen its mainstream popularity spring up very recently. In 2002, Starbucks released a fall menu to match the popularity of their holiday menu, and the rest is history.
Similarly, chai is an ancient drink that sees great popularity during the fall. Originating from India about 5,000 years ago, this warm, spiced drink is not only regarded as a medicinal beverage, but as a symbol of hospitality and friendship. Although chai is traditionally a beverage meant to be consumed while hot, chai today takes many new forms such as iced chais, flavored chais, or even chai-inspired foods and scents. For senior Iman Ettienne, chai is one of the best things fall has to offer. “I love chai because it is a blend of a lot of very comforting spices in one drink. The chai candles and lotions remind me of the drink and smell really good too,” she said.
Apart from spiced flavors and scents, apple, maple, cranberry, and pear also see huge popularity in the fall season. Considering these foods are commonly harvested during the fall, it leaves no questions about why they are so sought after during the colder months of the year. In many cultures around the world, these foods represent the gratitude and abundance that comes with the harvest season. Apples are one of the most commonly harvested fruits in the United States during fall, resulting in iconic dishes like apple pie or apple cobbler and a widespread love for anything featuring this fruit.
Some fall staples take a more unconventional route. Scented candles are popular year-round, but the signature fall scents are what draws in consumers. For cosmetic lovers, Bath and Body Works is a must-buy for the fall season. Featuring more traditional scents as well as new holiday favorites, such as Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte or Candy Apple Cauldron, products like candles and room sprays definitely give fall its signature cozy feel. For junior Ollie Sullivan, it is the fall scents that make the season feel like home. They explained, “My favorite seasonal scent is most definitely the Halloween Vampire Blood scent from Bath and Body Works. It’s very nostalgic to me because it is a scent that is always around by Halloween. Whenever it comes out, I always find myself buying it because of how much it reminds me of my childhood.” No matter what iconic fall scent you love the most, the season is bound to remind you of home.