The first signs of autumn bring the return of seasonal foods and beverages that many eagerly anticipate all year long. From spice-filled baked goods like cinnamon rolls and pumpkin pie, to hearty soups, and spiced apple cider, this is the perfect time of year for food manufacturers to offer limited edition, seasonal products that feature classic, autumn spices. This not only generates excitement and a sense of urgency but also gives customers another reason to celebrate the changing seasons.
If you want to embrace the flavors of fall, we recommend you stock up on these seven essential autumn spices. Each one of these spices will help you add rich flavor and seasonal nostalgia to your recipes.
1. Cinnamon
Celebrated throughout history, and especially in the colder months, cinnamon is a highly prized, naturally warming spice that lends its unmistakable flavor to so many culinary favorites around the world.
Cinnamon has an unmistakable flavor. It is warm, sweet, and slightly spicy, making it perfect for both sweet and savory seasonal foods.
Cinnamon is an essential ingredient in apple pie, pumpkin pie, and cinnamon rolls. It also adds flavor to beverages like apple cider and spiced lattes. In savory dishes, cinnamon brings warmth and depth to hearty stews and curries.
2. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is one of the most distinctive and beloved spices on the planet. This spice has been held in high esteem throughout history, with mentions of nutmeg scattered throughout ancient texts.
Nutmeg is naturally sweet, warm and woody with a slightly nutty undertone. It is remarkably aromatic and is so potent that it can be effective in very small quantities.
During the holiday season, nutmeg is especially celebrated for its rich, slightly sweet flavor and naturally warming qualities, and is often associated with holiday baking. Its flavor adds depth and complexity to many seasonal foods like apple pie, pumpkin pie, and other baked goods. Nutmeg is also a key ingredient in eggnog and many spiced beverages, as well as savory soups and stews.
3. Cloves
These dried flower buds are widely appreciated for their potent flavor, and their visual appeal in both fall and holiday dishes.
A complex combination of sweet, spicy, and bitter, cloves have a strong flavor and highly aromatic scent. They also contain an essential oil called eugenol that is a natural numbing agent.
Cloves are an essential spice for flavoring seasonal beverages like mulled wine and hot toddies. They can also add a pop of heat and flavor to fruit dishes, spiced cakes, glazed meats, stews, and marinades.
4. Ginger
Ginger is a staple spice in many cuisines, most notably in Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern cooking. Ginger is used in both sweet and savory recipes, and is featured in many holiday favorites.
The flavor of ginger is unmistakable, with a sweet and spicy, warm, and slightly peppery kick that is well suited for baked goods, beverages, and main courses.
Ginger adds a warm bite and complex flavor to sweet and savory dishes. This root is an essential autumn spice for gingerbread cookies and ginger tea, and can be a welcome companion to carrot cake and zucchini bread. Try it in spiced lattes, mulled wine, soups, stir fries, and marinades for an instant kick of flavor.
5. Allspice
Allspice is a versatile spice that can be used in a variety of cooking applications. Its bold flavor, aromatic fragrance, and remarkable adaptability have made it a beloved ingredient celebrated worldwide.
With a flavor that is reminiscent of a combination of several other seasonal spices, allspice can often be used in place of cinnamon, cloves, pepper, and nutmeg. Like cloves, allspice also contains eugenol. The presence of eugenol makes allspice naturally warming and highly aromatic.
Allspice is a flavorful addition to sweet and savory seasonal dishes. It is a common ingredient in seasonal baked foods like pies, cakes, and cookies, and is used to flavor many warm seasonal beverages. Allspice is also a popular ingredient in many seasonal spice blends, including pumpkin spice.
6. Cardamom
Cardamom is one of the oldest and most highly prized spices in history. This little seed possesses a strong, lingering flavor that is perfectly suited for a variety of different cuisines. It is a popular spice in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Scandinavian cuisines.
Sweet, floral, and slightly citrusy, with a warm, aromatic undertone, cardamom adds a unique flavor to a variety of dishes. Bake it into cookies, cakes, and pastries, or stir it into cold-weather favorites like chai tea, curry, and stew.
7. Star Anise
Star anise has a distinct, star-like appearance with small seeds that boast potent flavor. This spice is a seasonal favorite for its versatile flavor and festive appearance.
Star anise has a distinct, licorice-like flavor that is warm and spicy, and a sweet fragrance. Star anise has been used throughout history for its flavor, its believed medicinal properties, and its natural ability to freshen the breath.
Star anise is commonly associated with many popular seasonal foods, and is one of the main ingredients in mulled wine and spiced teas. Star anise is also a key ingredient in Asian cuisine, particularly in Vietnamese pho, and adds a warm and spicy depth of flavor to meat dishes such as roast duck.
PSC Seasonal Foods and Beverages
As summer transitions into fall, we encourage you to stock up on these seven essential autumn spices. Together, they create the distinct flavors of the season, and make it easy to create flavorful seasonal recipes that customers will look forward to year-after-year.
For inspiration, try these fall recipes:
- Spiced Honey Holiday Cocktails.
- Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting.
- Pumpkin Spice Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce
- Spiced Chocolate Truffle Energy Bites
- Cardamom Berry Toaster Pastries
- Mulled Wine
Contact us to stock up on these seven essential autumn spices – we are happy to help!