Some things just seem to creep up earlier and earlier each year, from the start of the holiday shopping season to the appearance of spring plants at grocery stores in the depths of winter. One such thing that made a very early return to coffee shops this year was the pumpkin spice latte. A steaming PSL may hit the spot on an autumn morning—warming hands and heart with a burst of nostalgia—but it’s packed full of sugar and artificial flavors. We’ve picked out a few of our favorite fall flavors so that you can enjoy the season—and even indulge a bit—organically.
Chai
We totally understand the appeal of a pumpkin spice latte, especially the spice part. Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, black pepper and cloves led their flavor to Equal Exchange Chai Tea. Enjoy a hot cuppa to help take the chill out of a crisp morning. If you are interested in blending your own, you can purchase bulk spices and adjust the flavor to suit your preference. You can even substitute herbs for black tea if you’d rather skip the caffeine.
Local apples
Nothing says fall in New England like local apples. For many of us who grew up in the region, the thrill of reaching for the shiniest red apple from the top of a ladder is a favorite shared memory of autumn. Recapture some of that joy yourself or with your family by visiting a certified organic orchard that offers pick-your-own apples, like Dwight Miller and Son Orchards in Dummerston, VT, or Bear Swamp Orchard in Ashfield, MA. If you’d like, let us bring the orchard to you with add-on bags of local apples.
Cinnamon Taza Discs
We did say there would be some indulgence, and one of our favorites is a rich bite of one of Taza’s Mexican-style cinnamon chocolate discs. This flavorful chocolate is full of pleasantly tingly heat from spicy cinnamon. Enjoy snapping off segments for a snack, or melt a whole disc in water or milk for a cup of Mexican-style hot chocolate. And if you have your own stash of special Taza chocolate, the kids won't get annoyed with you for raiding their Halloween candy stash.
Maple Syrup
The leaves are turning and the trees are having a costume change, offering us a brilliant feast for the eyes. Last winter, while the branches were still bare, the maple trees that now flaunt their red leafy adornments provided us with a delight for the taste buds. Drizzle maple syrup into your coffee, spoon it onto yogurt or pour it over your oatmeal. Or all three. Raise a spoon to your arboreal friends and enjoy the beauty of this transitional season.
Curry Cashews
There is absolutely something comforting about sweet fall treats, but the rich loamy smell of fallen leaves and the knowledge of much colder days ahead that can only be cured by bowls of hot soup make us want to turn toward the savory. Warming—but not spicy—roasted curry cashews are one of our favorites this fall. Packed with protein, these tasty nuts satisfy your yearning for pre-hibernation nourishment.
And if you really really love pumpkin spice things...
We get it, and don’t judge. We like pumpkin spice things, too. We’re especially excited about this Pumpkin Butter for dipping our apple slices in or trying this Spiced Pumpkin, Yogurt and Granola Parfait.
Make sure your office is stocked with all these fall items by placing an order with Boston Organics. We'll keep your office breakroom stocked with fresh produce and healthy snacks for every season.