History of October: the Pumpkin Spice Saga
October, the tenth month of the year in both the older Julian and the more recent Gregorian calendar was the 8th month (Latin octo) in the old Roman calendar, but with the addition of January and February got bumped to #10. This month is significant in that, according to the modern Gregorian calendar, it is the first full month that enjoys Pumpkin Spice Latte, initially promoted by St. Starbucks. But it has not always been so, and therein lies the saga.
Origin
This concoction of caffeinated seasoned squash with super-heated supersaturated calcium lactose was originally socialized during the ancient part of this millennium, around 2003 when it was introduced as a seasonal beverage. Its formulation has not always been the same, however. Starting in 2015 Starbucks added real pumpkin ingredients, a novel concept and some artificial flavors and colors were eliminated.
Date
The first day of the year that this popular drink goes on sale has varied from year to year. This is related to, but dissimilar to what is called Christmas Creep. Christmas shopping and decorations used to go up the day after Thanksgiving; then it moved to immediately after Halloween, now you can find Christmas merchandise in Costco in September. Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL), according to climate scientists, appears instead to suffer from PSL Drift.
Appearance
Generally, it appears after Labor Day in September, but sometimes it does not show up on the menu and must be requested by name. This year, it went on sale at various times across the country on August 27 (technically Summer, if you think about it), sometimes there is early access, some five days earlier for select customers, based on if they follow the magic account on Twitter (more later). In 2015 it had drifted as early as August 25, with general availability being September 2.
Seasonal Confusion
PSL Drift is wreaking havoc with the beginning and end of Seasons. Drinks like Eggnog Latte and Peppermint Mocha were relatively well behaved, confining themselves to Winter. PSL, on the other hand, is a “crossover” beverage covering both Winter and Fall… “for a limited time only.” That’s two seasons! It’s becoming like DST (Daylight Saving Time) which now comprises most of the year. PSL’s introduction each year has become the virtual harbinger of Fall, regardless of the astronomical and scientific importance of Autumnal Equinox in September or the changing of the Aspen leaves. And when we say Pumpkin Spice Latte, we do not literally mean milk; it also is available with Almondmilk. Now you can be kind to a cow.
But wait, Dunkin’ Donuts this year announced that its fall menu launches on August 21 with Pumpkin with the possibility of 8 early cities who are changing their names from Dunkin’ to Pumpkin’. It’s PSL War!
Pumpkin Proliferation
With over 424 million sold (shades of McDonald’s, which itself recently brought back its McCafe Pumpkin Spice Latte) PSL has become a cult, like buying Apple products, and there is even an official Twitter account with 110 thousand followers: @TheRealPSL. It has its own hashtag #PSL. And let’s face it, when you’ve got your own hashtag, you’ve essentially made it.
But that’s not all. This year Starbucks introduces Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. There are now pumpkin spice ale, Listerine, ramen, liquor, M&Ms, Skittles, Peeps, Pringles, Crest, Oreos, cookie straws, candles, shampoo, butter, pretzel, dog food, and even spaghetti sauce. The Pumpkin Spice Industrial Complex is now a $600 million market. Who knows, next they’ll be putting this flavoring in pies.
Is nothing sacred?
Bill Petro, your friendly neighborhood historian
www.billpetro.com
If you enjoyed this article, please consider leaving a comment, or subscribing to the news feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader, or to your email.
