PUMPKIN SPICE, McCORMICK

How Jewish is this favorite autumn treat?

While the pumpkin spice latte as we know it today may not be a direct descendant of Jewish culinary practices, the spices that give it its distinctive flavor certainly are.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

The pumpkin spice latte (PSL) has become a cultural phenomenon, especially in the fall, but its ingredients have roots that stretch back much further than the Starbucks menu. Interestingly, some of these roots can be traced to Jewish culinary traditions, particularly in the use of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, which are integral to the PSL's flavor profile.

Spices in Jewish culture

The blend of spices that constitutes what we now know as "pumpkin spice" has long been part of Jewish cuisine.

Spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove have been used in various Jewish dishes across different region.

For instance, Sephardic Jews, particularly those in the Mediterranean, have a rich history of incorporating these spices into their cooking. In the 16th century, pumpkin dishes flavored with cinnamon and other spices became associated with Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot. FINISH READING HERE

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