Autumn coffee: pumpkin, maple syrup and baked apples as new flavour additions

Coffee drinkers are increasingly trying unusual flavour combinations, and coffee with pumpkin has become especially popular this autumn. The Spanish outlet El Español reports on the trend, citing experts who explain why cosy, warming flavours appeal to people during the cooler part of the year.

Being able to adjust a coffee's intensity, quantity, ingredients and aroma means the same drink can become a very different experience. Claudia Ayats, a representative of a coffee machine manufacturer, says consumers no longer look for a single type of coffee for every occasion. They want to choose from different options and enjoy a different experience each time.

In her view, one of coffee's greatest strengths is its versatility. The drink pairs well with a wide range of ingredients, and because coffee varieties have different aroma profiles, surprising flavour combinations are possible.

Autumn additions

The following combinations are suggested for the season:

• pumpkin, which gives coffee a mild, slightly sweet taste;
• maple syrup with pecan nuts;
• baked apples with cinnamon, which create a pronounced autumn aroma.

The source also suggests trying to make coffee at home with a pumpkin addition, known as "pumpkin spice".

Coffee and mood

Scientists continue to study coffee's effect on the human body. Studies have found that people who consume caffeine often notice an improved mood during the first two and a half hours after drinking a cup of coffee. A similar effect has been observed in people with depression.

Coffee remains one of the most popular drinks in the world, and the variety of flavours allows it to be adapted to every taste, from classic black coffee to sweet, aromatic seasonal drinks.