The nights are starting to draw in; leaves are changing their colour, and the scent of autumn is in the air. After a long, balmy summer, the seasons are beginning to shift once more as the year enters its latter stages.
For those interested in food, the switch from summer to fall is perhaps the most dramatic. Summer flavours are overwhelmingly tropical and vibrant, not unlike the season itself; fruits, sweet treats, ice cream and frothy drinks tend to rule the roost. Autumn, however, offers something entirely different – as we have discussed in more depth below.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that comes into its own during the autumn months. Benefiting from a russet colour that perfectly suits the colours of the season, there are countless different uses for cinnamon – use sticks as a stirrer in hot drinks, use it ground to add a touch of sweetness to a savoury dish, to help undercut the spiciness of your favourite curry, or sprinkle liberally on ice cream or yogurt with a side of autumn fruits.
Pumpkin
Years before the much-decried pumpkin spice latte trend, pumpkin was a permanent fall fixture. Pumpkins tend to mature around this time of year, and their unusual taste and multipurpose use makes them the undisputed vegetable of the autumn. You can learn how to make pumpkin pie – one of the most popular fall dishes of all time – or use pumpkins to make soup; with the vegetable blending particularly well with creamy soups and chilli flakes.
Apple
The tangy sweetness of apples is synonymous with fall, and can be used for a wide variety of different purposes. If you have never tried it before, then apple tea is definitely worth giving a try – it’s unusual, but boil apples with cinnamon and cloves for a beverage that tastes like autumn in a mug. If you’d prefer something sweeter, then the classic apple turnover is always a winner, while apple butter is a fantastic accompaniment to a range of different desserts.
Turmeric
Another spice, but one that is a little less sweet than cinnamon – making it perfect for savoury dishes. Turmeric is often regarded as one of the healthiest spices that are currently available, so adding this vibrant orange/yellow spice to your meals could offer benefits beyond enjoying the delightfully autumnal taste. You can add turmeric to almost any meal, but it pairs particularly well with lighter meats such as chicken or turkey.
Coffee
Coffee may be a year-round staple for many of us, but in autumn, there’s nothing quite like a boiling hot cup to start your day. Dark roasts are particularly enchanting at this time of year, with their rich flavour somehow managing to suit the season perfectly. In addition, coffee combines beautifully with most of the options already discussed on this list, making it the perfect autumnal beverage.
In conclusion
On the heels of a long, hot summer, the transition to autumn tastes and flavours – such as those we have listed above – can be refreshing, exciting, and incredibly in-keeping with the cosiness the season can provide. Enjoy!
