Sunterra Market

Love it or hate it, pumpkin spice season is here. The season formerly known as fall is now synonymous with the release of Starbucks’ (in)famous pumpkin spice latte. Now the marketing may sometimes be over the top (including sweater-clad “Beleafers” announcing their zodiac sign to be pumpkin) but let’s be honest – PSLs are delicious. Why? Because pumpkin pie is so delicious!

But it goes further than just flavour. It’s about exclusivity and memories associated with the flavour. Chocolate is also delicious, but it’s widely available year-round. Same with caramel. But if you grew up like many of us did, the only time you really ate pumpkin was in pie form around the Thanksgiving dinner table. It was an annual treat to look forward to, one that you could share with your closest family and friends.

Deep Dish Pumpkin Pie

Feeling warm and fuzzy yet? Well that’s what pumpkin spice products are all about, and that’s why they’re so popular. So we say grab your scarf, put on some plaid and dig into the ever-growing list of pumpkin spice goods available. Here are some of our favourites.

Pumpkin pie shooters
Pumpkin pistachio cookies
Roasted pumpkin and squash soup
Pumpkin apple mousse jars
Silly Cow pumpkin spice hot chocolate mix
Nature’s Path pumpkin flax granola
Nuts To You pumpkin seed butter
Rocky Mountain Soap Co. pumpkin bar soap
Woof Organics pumpkin dog treats

And if you’d like to make your own pumpkin spice everything, here’s a quick guide to a few of our great gourds. Just add cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves and you’ll give ‘em pumpkin to talk about.

Sugar Pie, Knucklehead and Fairytale Pumpkins

(Be My) Sugar Pie

The quintessential baking pumpkin, sugar pies are quite small with sweet firm flesh that is less stringy than carving pumpkins. To make purée, first wash the pumpkins then cut into halves or quarters. Scoop out the insides then roast until fork tender. Remove the skin and purée.

(Ya Big) Knucklehead

This wart-covered pumpkin is spooky enough as is, but you can also carve through its scabs and bumps for a hauntingly unique jack-o-lantern. Although you probably wouldn’t buy them just for eating, knucklehead pumpkins have a nice sweet flavour when cooked that works well in both sweet and savoury dishes.

(Life’s a) Fairytale

Fairytale pumpkins are both decorative and delicious. This French heirloom variety has a squat, flattened shape and light brown colour worthy of the best fall displays. But slice a wedge off and you’ll also be treated to thick, mild-flavoured flesh that stands up to sautéing, boiling or roasting.