Let’s face it—fall has cornered the market on seasonal flavors. 

As soon as that first leaf hits the ground, the world goes all in on pumpkin-spiced cinnamon this and apple cider clove that. 

But how did these beloved flavors become the ultimate taste of autumn? This is the burning question of the day. 

Lucky for you, we’re about to dig into the delicious history behind fall’s favorite flavors.

1. Pumpkin Spice: From Medicinal Roots to Latte Fame 

Pumpkin spice might be the king of fall, but it worked its way up from humble beginnings. 

Long before Starbucks turned it into a global phenomenon, Native Americans used pumpkins in soups, stews, and pies. But the blend of spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—was originally used in medieval Europe for baking and medicinal purposes to soothe digestion.

Then in 2003, Starbucks waved its magic wand and introduced the pumpkin spice latte. It was supposed to be a limited-time thing, but people went wild for it. Now, you can find pumpkin spice in just about anything—candles, cereal, even dog treats. 

Maybe it’s been too played out?

2. Apple Cider: The Colonial Classic 

There’s a reason apple cider is a fall staple—it’s been around forever. 

Back in colonial America, apples were more popular than showers. They were easier to grow than grains, and making cider was a smart way to preserve the harvest. The result? Hard cider became a mealtime staple. Water wasn’t always reliable, but cider? Always dependable.

Fast forward to the 19th century, when the temperance movement pushed for non-alcoholic beverages. Boo!

Enter the sweet, spiced apple cider we know and love today. Now, it’s synonymous with hayrides, pumpkin patches, and cozy nights by the fire.

3. Cinnamon and Cloves: Spices That Traveled the World

These warm spices didn’t just show up on our doorstep, but had Amazon Prime been around, they would have.

Cinnamon and cloves made their way from Asia to Europe through trade routes, where they became prized (and pricey) ingredients in everything from savory stews to sweet pastries. In fact, during the Middle Ages, spices were so valuable they were sometimes used as currency.

Today, they’re the foundation of so many fall treats, like spiced cookies, mulled cider, and cinnamon rolls. And let’s be honest—nothing says fall like the scent of cinnamon filling your home or neither Chicago baseball team being in the playoffs. 

Fall flavors aren’t just tasty; they’re steeped in history and tradition. From the pumpkin spice craze to apple cider’s colonial roots and the ancient trade routes that brought us cinnamon and cloves, these flavors connect us to the past while helping us savor the present. 

🚨 SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT (EXCLUSIVE) 🚨

Hot off the presses, we’ve got a brand-spanking new gift basket for you: our BFB (Big Friendly Basket). Built in a reusable crate, this package is loaded with flavor and fun, including, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Smash chocolate waffle cone, Large fig spread, Large water crackers, Double stuffed olives, Bruschetta, Wine cheese, Cheese bar, Large Lillie Q’s buttermilk sweet onion chips, Madeleines, Almonds, Cashews, Honey bourbon pecans,

Bahlsen cookies, and Destrooper cookies. 

And that’s only half of it. 

So many fall flavors, so little time. Enjoy!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

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Studies show that everyone loves apple-picking. 

That’s not true, but a lot of people do. Apple picking is one of the quintessential fall activities. There’s nothing quite like heading to an orchard on a crisp autumn day, basket in hand, ready to pluck the season’s best apples right from the tree. 

Of course you need to lug all of your apples back, but that’s part of the deal. Before you head out for this classic experience, it’s a good idea to have a plan, and we’ve laid it out for you. 

Choose the Right Orchard

Not all apple orchards are the same, so it’s worth doing a little research before deciding where to go. 

For starters, make sure there are enough apples. For real. When the weather is unseasonably warm, as it has been in these parts, there’s not much to harvest. 

Some orchards offer only a few varieties of apples, while others boast dozens. If you have a favorite apple, make sure the orchard has that variety in season. Also, check to see if the orchard offers additional activities, like hayrides, corn mazes, or a petting zoo, especially if you’re bringing kids along.

Orchards often have websites with information about what varieties are ripe and ready for picking, so you can plan your visit for the ideal time. Be sure to call ahead or check their social media for updates on weather conditions or any changes to picking schedules.

Know Your Apple Varieties

People can be picky apple-pickers, because we all have our own preferences. 

Different apples are great for different purposes. Some are better for baking, while others are perfect for eating right off the tree. Here are a few popular varieties and what they’re best used for:

• Honeycrisp: A crisp, sweet apple that’s perfect for snacking.
• Granny Smith: A tart apple that’s ideal for baking, especially in pies.
• Gala: A sweet and mild apple that’s great for both eating fresh and cooking.
• Fuji: Known for its sweetness and firm texture, great for snacking or salads.

If you’re planning to make pies, applesauce, or apple butter, mix and match varieties to get a balance of flavors and textures.

Dress Appropriately

Apple-picking can be a workout, and who knows, maybe your local gym will make a class out of it. 

It’s important to dress appropriately. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be walking on uneven ground. Consider layers since fall weather can change quickly from cool mornings to warmer afternoons. Bringing gloves can also be handy for reaching into trees with thicker branches.

And don’t forget sunscreen and a hat—just because it’s fall doesn’t mean the sun isn’t strong.

🚨 SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT 🚨

And just like that, we’re a few weeks into fall. Did someone say Thanksgiving? I heard it, and with that, we present our Fall Fiesta Gift Basket, built in a seasonal basket, accented with fall leaves and featuring Crunchmaster crackers, pumpkin butter, Anna’s ginger cookies, Sally’s nuts, mulling spices, sweet potato chips, and more. 

Hey, it’s never too early to start planning your Thanksgiving gifts. 

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.