Description

Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of "warm" spices, generally including some or all of the following: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, allspice, mace. Pumpkin pie spice is an American spice mix commonly used as an ingredient in pumpkin pie. It can be used as a seasoning in general. There are a variety of pumpkin pie spice blends on the market at various prices in various quantities. You can also easily make your own. Simply mix 1/4 cup cinnamon with 2 Tbsp of ground ginger and 1 Tbsp each of nutmeg and ground cloves.

How to select

While commercial pumpkin pie spice blend can be bought ready ground, as with all ground spice, they do not keep well and soon lose their aroma. Whole spices, which keep fresh much longer, can be ground when needed using a mortar and pestle or electric coffee grinder. While buying packaged pie spice, check the expiry date and feel for lumpiness( sign of moisture inside the packet.

Culinary Uses

· Use this blend in pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, cakes, cookies and custard.
· The pumpkin pie spice can also be added to curries, vegetable dishes, soups, or stews toward the end of cooking or sprinkled over the surface just before serving.

How to store

While commercial pumpkin spice preparations can be bought ready ground, as with all ground spice, they do not keep well and soon lose their aroma. Store the spice blend in an airtight container and keep it in a cool dark place.

Health benefits

· Since the spice blend is added only in small quantities, it does not have substantial health benefits. However the use of cloves, cinnamon and ginger are known to improve digestive complaints and immune functions.