Pumpkin Spice it Up with Cayenne!
- Nov 1, 2023
- 4 min read
Autumn in all its splendor is once more upon us!
Which, in my opinion, of all seasons is the most deserving time to really talk spice!
Don't get me wrong! Each season has its own trove of related spices that are great in their own right. But Autumn for me seems to bring the richest most robust spicy and heartwarming nostalgic spices to the table.
Spices, especially those of the pepper genre are a fave of mine, and I think one of the world's special treasures.
The magical blend of peppery tingles woven into little blankets of varying warmths are simply amazing to me! They are like the herbal version of Pixie glitter dust!!
And how I adore the spicy richness and deep smoky flavor of especially cayenne!
But I will touch more on cayenne later....
First, Love it or Snub it, it's that season again! And I'm not speaking just Autumn!
No, no I mean thaaat season! The season that accompanies and moreso signals the presence of Autumn and of which I amusingly assume needs no formal introduction.
I am most assured that this far into Autumn there remains only a possible few who've not been overcome by some random wafting cloud comprised of fragrant warm spices and earthy sweet undertones that is of the all too well-known "Pumpkin Spice Season"!
Not to mention I have my doubts that even if one made a genuine attempt to avoid it, one could not possibly miss the barrage of current marketing and recipes inclusive of any and all things Pumpkin Spice!
From beverages, to baked goods, ice cream, desserts etc., to dips, jellies, cheeses, appetizers, entrees and more....there seems to be no avoiding this spice train!
So what is Pumpkin Spice?
For starters, Pumpkin Spice (also known as Pumpkin Pie Spice) is a beautiful blend of several spices and not just one "spice". It also does not actually consist of Pumpkin as a component but rather is a mix of delightfully aromatic and warm flavorful spices meant to compliment and otherwise enhance its Pumpkin host.
And second, I have come to find that "Pumpkin Spice" is a general label like saying "cake". Meaning it is what it is with core ingredients that basically stay the same but that can be interchanged, mixed, matched, added to, omitted etc. and it will still be called "Pumpkin Spice".
Pumpkin Spices' basic core consists
of cloves, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg
with I believe the most common rule
being to try to include at least three
of the cores and the most common
toss in being allspice.
Other adds include anise,
cumin and early origins notating of course pepper!
Which now brings me back to Cayenne!
Why Cayenne?
*for all those unfamiliar with cayenne please note that cayenne is a HOT pepper and produces a burning heat sensation that not all may be aggreable with so use restraint when venturing
Why Cayenne... because to begin cayenne contains a wonderful little compound called capsaicin which is the culprit for the cayenne's spicy heat (capsaicin also happens to be a known anti-inflammatory) and which assists in it hands down having the inate ability to magically change Pumpkin Spice into an irresistible roasty Pumpkin Spicyyyy!
And since my general observance has been that Pumpkin Spice is a totally obvious "all in or not at all " thing (As in it is either held with deep affection and highly anticipated/sought after or it is held in deep dislike and met with fierce resistance!).
Myself already being one of the forementioned "all ins" makes for no self requirement of extra "umphs" regarding the trying of Pumpkin Spice anything!
But for the also mentioned "not at alls"
Cayenne may just be the touch of magic that could possibly convert a spice no-er into an all in spice go-er!
(Unless one is the spicy heat intolerant type, then that's a different story and requires another adventure entirely!)
Though I believe the above mentioned early pepper reference to original blends of Pumpkin Spice is more that of black pepper, out of sheer personal preference I tend to lean on red pepper instead for adding any desired extra heat to this spice blend simply because I truly enjoy the flavors that come along with the heat of red peppers but have also personally found it to be the most complimentary for the already warm fall focused Pumpkin Spice.
Plus, not only does Cayenne possess a dreamy deep smoky rich tasting heat that can easily transform Pumpkin Spice into a tastebud tingling Pumpkin Spicy, it also comes packing a wealth of possible uses and benefits.
Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) is quite versatile, relatively safe (in small doses) overall and can be used from culinary to medicinal. It is a great idea to do your footwork and research into the abundance that this spectacular little plant has to offer! It's sure not to dissapoint!
*JUST REMEMBER TO PLEASE ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BEFORE BEGINNING USE OR INTAKE OF ANYTHING AS SIDE EFFECTS AND ALLERGENS ARE KNOWN AND POSSIBLE AND CAN VARY PER PERSON.
Aside from being a delicious addition to many a culinary recipe,
Cayenne is commonly used in moderation both orally and topically. Is acknowledged as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and blood thinner.
Some known uses for Cayenne are as a natural pain reliever (you can find capsaicin as an ingredient in many known pain relieving ointments) and also to possibly help with tummy, gut and digestive issues, blood pressure, weight loss, metabolism and appetite.
Other areas that Cayenne might help are in being good for the heart, nerves, blood vessels, circulation, detoxing, blood clots. Cayenne may even benefit hair and skin.
Some topical applications involving Cayenne are used in potentially helping relieve arthritis pain or otherwise joint and muscle pain.
A super added bonus to note is Cayenne also contains essential vitamins and minerals. To name a few (not all)...like Potassium, Manganese, A, multiple B vitamins, K, and C.
The above mentioned uses and benefits for Cayenne are not all exhaustive but are certainly plenty to get the spicy train rolling! I would definitely encourage one to adventure more from here on this magical little pepper!
In the meantime stay warm and enjoy the season upon us! (Both Autumn and Pumpkin Spice!!)
And maybe try to
Pumpkin Spice it Up with a bit of Cayenne!
It may just "bibbity bobbity boo" that Pumpkin Spice into a magic you can't resist!
-Elise's Adventures In Herbaland ©
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