1. Taste and see that God is good

Psalm 34 uses this sentence, referring to the blessedness of trusting in God. Songs with this text are used around communion. Something I’ve heard in my community is “Food is God’s love made edible.” While that statement can be a bit problematic, there is a reason why gatherings, especially church gatherings, are focused around food. We bond over food, and we bond over our favorite foods. When a friend comes to town, you likely go to a restaurant where you can find something you both like and fellowship comfortably. And the liturgical calendar is full of feast days! For me, this “tasting” aspect of the Psalms involves pumpkin spice.

2. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the bark of certain kinds of trees. It’s been used in medicine around the world for thousands of years. Cassia cinnamon spice is primarily used in the U.S., and Ceylon cinnamon spice (known as true cinnamon) is mostly found outside the U.S. Historically, it’s been used as an antibiotic, antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory medication. It should be noted that in Western medicine, these benefits have not been proven. Most of us know cinnamon as a tasty treat added to food. Also, it’s the main component of pumpkin spice.

3. Nutmeg

Nutmeg is traditionally from the West Indies and Indonesia. It’s usually ground from the seeds of several trees. It has a pungent scent and a sweet taste, sweetening both savory and sweet foods, as well as baked goods. The casing surrounding nutmeg is known as spice mace; the Romans used it as incense. In the 1600s, it was very expensive and a hot commodity in England and France.  Nutmeg has also been historically used to treat dysentery, nausea, vomiting, rheumatism, sciatica, malaria and early stages of leprosy. It’s also added to pumpkin spice.

4. Clove

Clove is my favorite spice. I love the scent, and I love the flavor. A little goes a long way! In fact, if you don’t store it correctly, it could eat through the material in which you store it. Clove lozenges are a favorite of mine. This spice is native to Indonesia among other places. It comes from the tree’s flowering seed of the Myrtceae family of trees. According to some sources, medical benefits include digestive health, skin health, immunity, digestion, hair health and oral health. It’s also found in pumpkin pie spice!

5. Your own pumpkin spice latte

At the beginning of September, and if we’re honest, the end of August, the pumpkins come out. Pumpkin spice creamers, lattes, cookies, candy and other confections can be found lining the shelves of grocery stores. I love it so much that every year in September I dedicate my Five Things post to pumpkin spice. But let’s face it, pumpkin spice lattes at coffee shops are expensive. There has to be a better way to get your pumpkin spice fix, and one solution is making your own! Here you will find a recipe for pumpkin spice syrup that you can make at home with ingredients you likely already have. Add milk and coffee and enjoy.