When we think about fall, we tend to think of pumpkin spice. Pumpkin spice lattes, cereal, dish detergent, cookies, muffins, room spray, etc. Pumpkin spice has always been the star of the show, and no one seems to forget that every year. However, there are so many forgotten, yet iconic fall flavors and scents that should be rediscovered and loved by more individuals.
One of the flavors and scents that I’ve been loving the most lately are persimmons. Persimmons are an iconic fall staple, with their sweet, honey-like flavor and their crisp texture. Most people describe them as having notes of apricot, cantaloupe, and dates. Beyond its delicious flavor and impeccable texture, persimmons can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be used for baked goods, jam, cocktails, and salads. Its super sweet scent can even make a delectable candle or room spray. Persimmons are definitely underrated and should be another iconic fall staple.
Another flavor that doesn’t get a whole lot of attention are Quinces. Quinces are fruits that are in the same family as apples and pears, and are used commonly in jams and spreads. They aren’t really known for their taste, because they are quite sour and astringent, however, they smell incredibly sweet and are perfect for candles. They have notes of honey, rose, vanilla, apple, pear, and citrus or pineapple, making them perfectly sweet and floral.
Fruits aren’t the only flavors or scents that can be incorporated into fall. Other things, such as black walnuts, are also a fall staple. Black walnuts are commonly used in the fall for baked goods, such as muffins, cookies, and cakes. They tend to taste bold, earthy, and bittersweet, with unique floral or fruity notes that can resemble an apple. Eating them by themselves is not the best way to enjoy them, as they can taste extremely bitter, but tend to smell good in a candle. They tend to smell like citrus and pine, making them the perfect scent for fall.
Lastly, sunchokes are another great flavor and scent for fall. They are known as the edible tubers from the sunflower plant with a flavor described as nutty or earthy. As a candle or a room spray, they would smell very earthy, but are more known for their taste in a variety of dishes. They are usually added in roasted vegetables, soups, and mashed potatoes.
These are just a few of the flavors that should represent fall, versus your typical and overdone pumpkin spice. This fall, try to branch out and try different things, whether that be a quince scented candle or sunchokes in your roasted vegetables. You will be very surprised at what you would like if you branched out and tried something different!
