The Science Behind Pumpkin Spice

Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves… ahh, Pumpkin Spice!

This iconic flavor signifies the autumn season, but it is not just due to savvy marketing. Scientists, Sarah Cormiea and Jason Fischer from Johns Hopkins University have researched and concluded that “the part of your brain that processes smell is closely tied to the part of your brain responsible for memories.”

The “Pumpkin Spice” smell is not even pumpkin itself, but rather a cornucopia of spices with fall associations. A combination of marketing and neuroscience results in the brain forming a “connection between words and scent memory.”

Furthermore, pumpkin spice’s limited availability correlates to its powerful affect on us. Sarah Cormiea explains “if it were available year-round, it wouldn’t have such powerful memories.”

As we sip our lattes and reminisce about frolicking in the fall foliage, we can thank female scientist, Cormiea and her colleague, Fischer, in helping us to understand the nostalgia we experience.

Written By: Katie Segreto

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/01/health/pumpkin-spice-smell-wellness/index.html