A dog takes a look at pumpkins on an field near Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Sept.13, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
Melissa Scrivani, Associate Life Editor
I definitely love both pumpkin spice and apple flavored foods, but I gotta admit I favor pumpkin spice. I don’t care how basic I am, PSL’s taste like heaven. They should be available year-round. I would literally drink a pumpkin spice latte in July, that’s how much I love them. But my love for pumpkin goes beyond the lattes. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin spice cookies, even pumpkin flavored ice cream – it’s all delicious. In the past few years everything has become pumpkin spiced, and I am completely here for it. I’ve never had anything pumpkin-flavored and not enjoyed it. Apple pie and related desserts are good too, yes, but they’re pretty much available during any season. You never walk into a grocery store that’s not selling apples, but how often do you see any pumpkins? Pumpkin is strictly associated with fall, which is what makes it the superior fall flavor. One of the main arguments against pumpkin spice flavor seems to be that it has gotten too popular. PSL’s are so popular for a reason, folks, people go crazy over them because they’re delicious. Don’t be one of those people who refuses to do anything that’s deemed too mainstream. Go to Starbucks and get yourself a PSL. It’s like a warm hug in a cup. Thank me later.
Courtney Gavitt, Staff Writer
Alright, listen. Am I conscious of the fact that I’m just another white girl who loves pumpkin spice lattes? Yes. Am I going to let that stop me from enjoying the heavenly goodness that is an overpriced PSL? Heck no. They’re good, people! And I refuse to stand by and let people trash the epitome of fall flavors because they think it’s cool to hate on Starbucks. Because let’s be real here: Starbucks isn’t the only place that sells them, and it’s foolish to think they make the best ones. All that really matters is that the return of pumpkin spice is one of the best things about autumn. PSLs taste like combining pumpkin pie and gingersnaps and melting them down into perfect, warm, liquid gold. So many apple-flavored things, especially drinks, are syrupy and oversweet. Not to mention the apple is probably artificially flavored or mixed with caramel anyways. Give me some actual spices, people! Give me that entirely delectable smell that makes me just want to curl up in a blanket by a fire! Pumpkin spice is the supreme fall flavor and I will fight you on this.
Daniel Cohn, Campus Correspondent
Dog Lane Café’s apple spice chai is superior to Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte, and it’s not a contest. I know what you’re thinking: why would I walk all the way to Storrs Center when I could get a Starbucks PSL on the way to class in the bookstore? I’ll tell you: a good coffee/tea can make or break your day. Too often have I settled for an over-sweetened yet somehow dull cup of joe. That’s just what Starbucks’ PSL is: an overrated product that students only buy because it’s autumn and it feels obligatory. It doesn’t even really taste like pumpkin, you just associate the two because the leaves are turning orange. Sorry not sorry. If you like them all power to you, but they’re not for me.
Dog Lane’s apple spice chai is the antithesis of bad coffee. It’s a delicious cup of chai tea that is made with love by a local business, not an international brand. It has all the warmth of an apple pie with all the subtle spice of a good chai tea. I gladly walk 40 minutes round trip from Garrigus for one hot cup twice a week minimum. One-hundred percent worth it. Side note: Dog Lane has a baller PSL if you can’t ditch the pumpkin itch. Dog Lane didn’t pay me for this, but consider me leashed.
Sarah Baksh, Campus Correspondent
The tyranny of pumpkin spice is at its pinnacle and it’s up to us apple-crats to stand up and overturn their Pinterest infested rule. Their time on this campus has officially met its sticky end. I know some of us are prepared to fight (see above) so I’m here to let all of campus know I’m willing to throw down and defend the honor of apples, the superior fall flavor. Yes, I said it! Pumpkin spice lovers can kiss my apple core. The people of Connecticut, nay, New England spend weekends celebrating this fruit of the earth with picking parties at Lyman Orchards. If you don’t take a new profile picture there, did fall even commence? Introducing apple pie, apple pancakes, apple cider, apple crisp under the sub category of pie and yes apple cider donuts sprinkled with cinnamon. These are only the tip of the apple tree. Are you salivating yet? Case in point, Sweet Madeline’s. While all the pumpkin spices might have their nightmare of a drink, the PSL, it’s nothing compared to leaving your three hour ecology class and rolling up to the vendor on Fairfield Way for some cozy inducing goodness. It’s convenient location operates as the the perfect alternative to the apple cider in One Plate, Two Plate and Dunkin. On top of its deliciousness, its low cost gives Starbucks a run for their money. How do you like them apples?
