Autumn seems to be creeping up on the calendar earlier and earlier every year. Coffee shops such as Starbucks start rolling out their fall-themed drinks in August, and stores are stocking their shelves with the newest Halloween decor. While jumping the gun on pumpkin-everything may feel a bit premature, we can't get too upset.
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Why? Because fall flavors are the absolute best.
We know that when we say fall flavors, there's one flavor that always comes to mind: pumpkin spice. But aside from everyone's beloved PSL, pumpkin spice isn't the only tasty ingredient out there. In fact, it's just one of a vast array of seasonal tastings that make autumn cooking, baking and drink-mixing special.
Whether you're whipping up your own delicious treats at home or seeking out certain flavors to sample in your favorite comfort food, there are so many delicious fall tastes that can — and should! — make their way onto your plate. From the ingredients in your grandma's famed apple pie recipe to the savory spices in your go-to autumnal soup, these flavors are the essence of this season's most beloved dishes.
So, if you're getting your pantry ready for all the goodness you're about to create, read on for the top 15 fall flavors you have to sample this season.
Apple
The quintessential fruit of fall, apples are a staple ingredient in everything from pies and crisps to sauces and chutneys. Apples are especially delicious when cooked with other ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves for an extra pop of flavor.
Cinnamon
No fall recipe is complete without a generous sprinkling of cinnamon. This sweet spice is essential for giving your treats that homemade autumnal taste. Whether you're adding it to your coffee, cookie batter or savory stew, a dash of cinnamon will warm up any recipe.
Caramel
Few things are better than a warm, gooey caramel drizzled on top of apple crisp or a scoop of ice cream. Caramel is the perfect sweet treat to indulge in during these cooler months. Plus, it makes a great topping for almost any baked good!
Salted Caramel
An elevated version of the original, salted caramel adds a hint of savory flavor to any dish. Whether you're stirring it into coffee or baking it into cookies, this extra layer of flavor is sure to stand out.
Pumpkin
We can't talk fall flavors without mentioning pumpkin. Long gone are the days of this flavor only getting used in lattes — now, it's a must-have for anything from pancakes to pastas. Pumpkin is especially delicious when combined with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.
Pumpkin Spice
Despite what the name may lead you to believe, pumpkin spice contains zero pumpkin. It's actually a unique blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cloves that is essential for making the perfect pumpkin-flavored treat.
Maple
Adobe
We're not just talking about syrup (though that's a fall must-have, too). From glazes and sauces to baked goods and salads — adding a bit of maple will give your dish the perfect hint of sweet-yet-earthy flavor.
Ginger
Want to add a little bit of spice to your fall culinary creations? Ginger is the answer. A little bit of fresh ginger goes a long way toward giving dishes a unique flavor profile, and it pairs especially well with apples and pumpkins.
Chai
Nothing will warm your heart quite like a chai tea latte. This blend of black tea, cinnamon, ginger and spices such as cardamom and cloves is a must-have in your pantry during the fall months.
Sage
Sage deserves more recognition than it gets. This earthy herb is the perfect addition to any savory dish and a great way to give your autumn meals an herby flavor.
Cloves
Cloves have an incredibly strong flavor that can make or break a recipe. A little bit of this potent spice can go a long way toward transforming a bland dish into something extraordinary.
Bourbon
Bourbon is a classic spirit made from corn and aged in oak barrels. With notes of caramel, vanilla and oak, bourbon is the perfect addition to any fall cocktail or dessert recipe.
Pear
Fall tends to be all about apples, but we can't forget about their underrated cousin: the pear. Pears are a great way to add an unexpected flavor profile to any dish. Plus, they're just as versatile as apples and can be used in everything from sauces and cakes to salads and ciders.
Brown Butter
Brown butter is a heavenly treat for any home chef. This simple technique starts by melting butter in a skillet until it turns golden brown and develops an intense nutty flavor. A little skill and patience are needed to master the melt, but it's 100% worth it.
Butterscotch
This classic flavor will take you right back to your childhood. Butterscotch is a delicious combination of brown sugar, butter and cream that makes the perfect topping for ice cream or an indulgent snack on its own.
