Here’s Why You Should Be Eating More Pumpkin Spice This Autumn
Share
After a lacklustre summer, Brits are eagerly anticipating the comforts of autumn. The season brings cosy nights in, with the warming flavours of pumpkin spice and cinnamon filling the air.
In fact, Google searches for “pumpkin spice ingredient” have increased by more than 5,000% in the last 30 days across the UK, showing just how in demand this seasonal flavour is.
Pumpkin spice is typically made up from cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves, but you can add your own twist by adding flavours such as apple, coffee or maple syrup.
Although named pumpkin spice, this seasoning doesn’t actually contain any pumpkin and instead, is used to flavour pumpkin pie and other autumnal recipes.
But there’s more to these autumnal treats than just taste. According to Lily Keeling, registered nutritionist and chef from recipe box delivery service, Green Chef, your favourite autumn flavours might also be boosting your health. Lily reveals the surprising nutrients in pumpkin spice that can enhance your overall wellbeing and shares creative ways to incorporate these flavours into your daily diet.
Lily comments,
“The spices found in pumpkin spice are rich in antioxidants, which have a number of health benefits. For instance, just one teaspoon of pumpkin spice provides around 12% of your daily value of manganese, a mineral which is essential for supporting your immune system and maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
“And let’s not forget ginger, which has been used for centuries to support gut health. Altogether, pumpkin spice is not just delicious but a powerhouse of health benefits.”
Pumpkin spice recipe inspiration
If you’re looking to add a little autumn magic to your meals, Lily recommends some delicious and nutritious pumpkin spice recipes to showcase the versatility of this flavour.
Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese
For a comforting twist on a classic dish, Lily suggests adding a pinch of pumpkin spice to your mac and cheese sauce. “It’s a simple way to elevate the flavour profile of your mac and cheese, giving it a subtle warmth that’s perfect for autumn.”
Pumpkin Spice Soup
Pumpkin spice isn’t just for lattes—it works wonders in soups too, says Lily. “Try adding pumpkin spice to a creamy pumpkin or butternut squash soup.
“It also pairs beautifully with soups made from autumnal veg such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips, enhancing the natural sweetness of the vegetables.”
Pumpkin Spice Salmon
For a savoury dish with a hint of spice, Lily suggests mixing pumpkin spice with brown sugar, olive oil, and lemon juice to create a glaze for salmon fillets. “This combination brings out the richness of the salmon while adding a unique autumnal flavour,” she explains.
Pumpkin Spice Pizza
For something a bit different, use pumpkin puree with a dash of pumpkin spice as a base sauce for a unique pizza dish. “Top it with caramelised onions and goat cheese for a sweet-savoury pizza that’s bursting with comforting tastes,” Lily suggests.
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Bowls
Finally, Lily recommends adding pumpkin spice to a breakfast smoothie base made with pumpkin puree, bananas, yoghurt and honey. “Top it with granola, nuts, and fruits for a delicious and nutritious breakfast that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.”
