With so many pumpkin-related products on the market, like pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin eggnog, pumpkin bars, pumpkin coffee creamer and roasted pumpkin seeds, it is no surprise that many California Baptist University students love them.
Why does this squash seem so close to their hearts?
Students know it is close to the holidays when the evening air feels crisp against their skin. For some, it is simply the taste of pumpkin. For others, it is the overall experience rather than the actual taste.
“When I think about the fall, I think about pumpkin spiced lattes and cold weather,” Kelly Hahn, junior, said. “I think about putting on a sweater and having a pumpkin latte as part of my fall wardrobe.”
The pumpkin-flavored food craze greets us yearly at Starbucks.
“One of the things that we know about the pumpkin spice latte is that we have a huge fan base around this beverage that we bring back every year,” Alex Wheeler, vice president of global digital marketing for Starbucks, said.
Pumpkin treats are available most anywhere during the spice lattes are served along with pumpkin muffins. Pumpkin bread from Trader Joe’s is senior Kaihla Corso’s favorite while sophomore Breanna Sparkman prefers the Harvest Pie at Coco’s.
“I’m obsessed with pumpkin everything and my mom makes the best pumpkin muffins every fall. I love this time of the year for that reason,” Alyssa Carter, junior, said.
Could the love for pumpkin be just an extension for the warm and fuzzy feelings associated with family, or is there something more to it that makes students crave this sensation?
According to an article from Psychology Today, pumpkins are one of the most satisfying foods. They protect the immune system and are an even more potent antioxidant than betacarotene. Pumpkin not only tastes good but is physically and mentally beneficial when eaten. Bewellbuzz.com also says one ounce of pumpkin seeds contains seven grams of protein and lowers bad cholesterol.
For some, pumpkin flavors evoke feelings of family and warmth. Others seem to feel the excitement of pending holidays that pumpkin-flavored foods mark. Whether students’ pumpkin delights are in the form of a hot drink, a perfect fall accessory or Mom’s pumpkin pie, one thing is certain: family and love are the perfect pumpkin pairings.
