Food writer and chef J. Kenji López-Alt joins Adam to explore the cultural phenomenon of pumpkin spice, discussing its history, association with fall dishes, and the lack of actual pumpkin in it. They also cover the uses of bay leaves in cooking, the naming of foods by what they're eaten with, the presence of pumpkin spice in Seattle, and the differences in foam texture using different milk types for coffee drinks.
Pumpkin spice is a spice mixture used with pumpkin products, not necessarily containing actual pumpkin itself.
The naming of food products often involves using the name of the accompanying ingredient, creating confusion about the actual contents.
Deep dives
Pumpkin spice: A mixture of spices traditionally used with pumpkin
Pumpkin spice is a combination of spices, such as ginger, cinnamon, and allspice, traditionally used with pumpkin and pumpkin products. It has been associated with fall and winter flavors for hundreds of years, as pumpkin was a fall crop that could be stored throughout the winter. While some people criticize pumpkin spice for not containing actual pumpkin, the name refers to the spice mixture used with pumpkin rather than the presence of pumpkin itself.
The rise of pumpkin spice and its association with cold weather
Pumpkin spice became especially popular with the introduction of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, which has been around for over 20 years. The marketing of pumpkin spice products often revolves around the idea of seasonal scarcity, making them available for a limited time, similar to Girl Scout cookies. The flavors of pumpkin spice are also associated with other fall and winter dishes, such as apple pie, which are traditionally consumed during colder months. The spices in pumpkin spice, like cinnamon and allspice, are thought to evoke feelings of warmth and comfort during colder weather.
Language and the naming of food products
The naming of food products and flavors often involves using the name of the accompanying ingredient rather than the actual contents. This can create confusion or misconception, as seen with pumpkin spice, which does not contain pumpkin. Similar instances include barbecue sauce without smoked meat, chicken salt without actual chicken, and steak fries which are not necessarily eaten with steak. These naming conventions serve marketing purposes and do not necessarily reflect the exact ingredients of the product.
The factors influencing taste preferences and the role of snobbery
Taste preferences can vary widely among individuals, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to food. Snobbery can often play a role in shaping people's opinions and judgments about what is considered "good" or "bad" in terms of taste. Some individuals may feel the need to assert their uniqueness or superiority by distancing themselves from popular choices, while others may find validation in enjoying things that are widely liked. Ultimately, personal taste is subjective and should be respected, and there is no inherent value in liking or disliking a particular food or flavor.
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