It’s now officially autumn, and pumpkin mania is in full swing here in the Port City. Here’s a look at what some of the  local coffee shops and bakeries have to offer in hopes of satisfying our voracity for all things pumpkin.

Port City Java CEO Steve Schnitzler says that the craze for pumpkin really started to pick up back in 2010 and has grown steadily each year since. In past years PCJ would roll out its pumpkin products Sept. 15, but the steady increase in demand led the company to move this year’s date to Sept. 1.

“As soon as September rolls around, I think people here are ready for cooler weather and ready to embrace the fall, whether the weather cooperates or not,” Schnitzler said.

Schnitzler says that last year his corporate stores alone sold 2,900 pumpkin muffins in September; 2,800 in October;  and 2,100 in November.

“The pumpkin muffins are by far the best seller when they’re offered,” Schnitzler said.

In addition to muffins, PCJ serves a pumpkin pie latte (served either hot or iced) and a pumpkin pie milkshake.

Java Dog Coffee House has several pumpkin-flavored coffees such as pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin cheesecake latte and pumpkin chai tea.

The Co-op Café at Tidal Creek is offering a vegan pumpkin raisin muffin as well as a pumpkin spice smoothie and a wired pumpkin cold brewed coffee. Pumpkin pies will be available by special order through the holidays.

Apple Annie’s Bake Shop serves several pumpkin treats during the autumn months, including a pumpkin spice cake, pumpkin pies and cheesecakes, cookies and cupcakes.

Great Harvest Bread Co. offers pumpkin chocolate and pumpkin nut breads every Wednesday and Friday and has a rotating selection of fall flavored scones and muffins as well as pumpkin cream cheese bars. A pumpkin cream cheese cobbler will also soon be available, and all pumpkin baked goods are always available by special order.

When asked his thoughts on the ongoing pumpkin trend, Schnitzler had this to say: “Every year we think the demand for pumpkin will peter out, but it just keeps on going.”

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