SEATTLE, WA — Starbucks has launched a new limited-time menu item, the Pumpkin Spice Pumpkin.

Attempting to capitalize on the popularity of its seasonal coffee drink, Starbucks hopes the Pumpkin Spice Pumpkin will be a hit with consumers looking for an authentic taste of fall.

“We looked at customer reaction following the introduction of Pumpkin Spice Lattes more than 10 years ago, and wondered how we could infuse a pumpkin flavor into other menu items,” said CEO Howard Schultz. “After a mixed response to pumpkin cookies and cakes, we decided that die-hard fans might enjoy the simple goodness of a pumpkin-flavored pumpkin.”

While some people that ordered the new item were unsure how to consume an entire pumpkin perched atop a coffee cup, others seemed to enjoy the challenge.

“If you hold the cup with your elbow and rest the pumpkin between your forearm and chest, you can use the other hand to scoop out little bits with a spoon or coffee stirrer,” said Seattle resident Dale Johnansen, smiling broadly with strings of pulp hanging from his teeth. “It’s way better than the pumpkin I ordered from the farmer’s market. That pumpkin didn’t even taste like pumpkin!”

Pumpkin Spice Pumpkins are sold in three sizes – Squash, Gourd, and Venti – and range in price from $15 to $60, depending on location and weight.

Starbucks said that if the launch is successful, it will consider a new line of food seasonings next autumn centered around a Pumpkin Spice Pumpkin Spice.

Ken Barnard challenges you to guess the number of times he used the word.

Image by Danny Wilkinson.