In fall, North America seems to go into this seasonal depression – a lack of sunlight and not being able to be an extrovert around the beach. Everyone seems to need to look for the little joys this season presents us with. So, the U.S. often uses food to counteract this “depression”.
That leaves another question: what is a food that encapsulates the true meaning of fall? Whether it’s used as a house decoration or food, pumpkin can live up to the task. Pumpkin is able to be a main ingredient in so much seasonal food for fall, and some good food at that. So, if pumpkin is the “alleged” ultimate fall food, what is the best pumpkin food we so clearly need to cure that crippling seasonal depression?
Pumpkin Pie
A classic, no matter the period of fall or season at that. Pumpkin pie has to be an absolute masterpiece when it comes to pie. When this appears on the Thanksgiving table, the hype is real. The texture is nothing that any pie can match. Silky smooth and “spice made sweet”, with no chunky fruit pieces, and served with whipped cream or ice cream, it is unique in its own right. The cultural significance of this pie is unmatched; it represents everything harvest season and is eaten nowhere more in the world than the US and Canada. But, above all else, Pumpkin pie dominates the industry during the fall season. According to Statista, 40% of people love to eat pumpkin pie during Thanksgiving time. No other pie reached those numbers during Thanksgiving; pumpkin pie owns fall. It is unique and loved dearly by the American people. This could already be the ultimate pumpkin food.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
This is the one food that manages to have all the “soccer moms” across the US come together in their Tahoes or Suburbans. But, why? – and is it worth the money? The answer is that it completely depends. As someone from New York, I still prefer a normal “cup of Joe” to any coffee, but making a PSL from a recipe isn’t so bad. The ingredients are fresh, the flavor is adequate, and I would happily drink it while watching the leaves change and being stuck inside. But, one thing ruins the drink completely: Starbucks. Starbucks decided for the people to not drink coffee, but syrupy soup. The spice is present, but where’s the coffee? Most reviewers state, specifically in MassLive, where the reviewer exclaims it’s “designed to make you forget you’re drinking coffee.” Starbucks has managed to make a coffee drink that is so sweet and somehow overly pumpkin-flavored that it doesn’t taste like coffee. This deserves no credit whatsoever and describes Starbucks perfectly: overpriced and over-roasted garbage that shames the greatness of pumpkin.
Pumpkin Bread
A popular food for the autumn season in the United States, but is it worth actually making or buying? The honest truth is that it is completely pleasant to eat, but isn’t exactly the most exciting food to eat. When eating Pumpkin bread, there is a sensation in your tongue, which is not necessarily a good one. There is a debate whether the bread is sweet or savory. This is a problem, as pumpkin bread is meant to be a sweet food item. Although, as much as toppings can be added to rectify this, their is a ruler of the raw pumpkin bread world: Libby’s. According to Business Insider, out of Libby’s, Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and Pillsbury, Libby’s “had the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, and it was super moist.” The other options had overpowered sweetness or spice. So, in conclusion, pumpkin bread is good, but inconsistent.
So, in conclusion, all of these pumpkin foods are great. But, the United States has spoken, Pumpkin Pie is the ultimate pumpkin food. As much as the latte and bread are good, they are inconsistent compared to pumpkin pie. But, without this in mind, pumpkin not only symbolizes the harvest season, but connection. So, no matter the brand, food, or quality, have some food with pumpkin in it with your family and enjoy!
