By Abigail Rosales, Roxana Casanueva, Tyler Banks

The season of falling leaves, breezy winds, layering sweaters, and beanies is among us — Fall season is here.

Beyond the stereotypical fashion and expected atmosphere, what has now become a staple in the fall season is the perhaps seemingly-infamous flavour of “pumpkin spice” — a taste many love and many hate at the same time. 

Ironically though, Pumpkin spice can be found in almost anything during this season: be it a pumpkin-scented candle, pumpkin-flavored coffee, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin-scented body wash — pumpkin is everywhere. The most popular of these pumpkin products though, which everyone seems to actually love, is the famous Pumpkin Spice latte/frappuccino from Starbucks™.

However, pumpkin spice is an acquired taste that not everyone has— it is understandable why some people may not like it. Some simply described the flavor as too overpowering, too sweet, or too bitter for their taste. Ultimately, it depends on who you ask.

 “Pumpkin spice, when used correctly, can taste sweet and savory,” said MLEC student Walter Rodriguez. At its heart, one’s opinion of pumpkin spice is subjective, judged solely by the taste buds of the beholder. But the magic of pumpkin spice goes beyond taste. For some, pumpkin spice is simply like nothing else because it signifies the new season. 

 “I like pumpkin spice because it’s the essential flavor of fall. It lets you know that the season is here, and gives me the feeling of Autumn that isn’t present in the weather,” said MLEC English teacher Ms. Cardet, a coffee connoisseur and pumpkin-spice lover. 

Pumpkin spice is a trend that everyone seems to follow from the months of September to November. In Southern Florida, the most that arrives of fall is perhaps a low fifty-degree weather, making the season fly by as if it never came. But, apparently, pumpkin spice gives the citizens of Soflo everything they’re missing out on — that perhaps may explain why so many of us in Miami are obsessed with the sweet taste of pumpkin spice. 

Making the right pumpkin-spice-flavored product is in itself simply an art form. Too much cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice can ruin the flavor, which is why cooking or incorporating pumpkin spice into anything needs to be done precisely and strategically correct.

Pumpkin spice is simply sweet and warm, especially because of the kick of light nutmeg and cinnamon, which altogether brings the subtle taste of pumpkin out. 

As MLEC student Dalia Felipe described the flavor, “pumpkin spice is fall but in a drink.” 

On the next trip to the grocery store, pick up some pumpkin spice to add to foods of your choice, or order a Pumpkin Spice Latte the next time you visit Starbucks.

Believe me, you won’t regret it.