Black Tea Poached Pears: A Simple Elegant Tea Party Food

You already know we're big fans of tea and tea infused desserts at Route 636. And we've done our fair share of trial and error in the kitchen, testing tea time desserts. So trust me when I say: this one is foolproof. It's simple, elegant (the perfect holiday dinner table centerpiece), and really allows the bold flavors of Assam black tea to shine. 

Tea isn’t just for sipping. It’s a versatile ingredient that can elevate desserts with complex flavors and unique aromas. Assam black tea, in particular, brings a robust depth to sweets, making it a perfect companion to the natural sweetness of fruits. This Black Tea Poached Pears recipe is inspired by the custom of pairing Assam tea with spiced and fruity desserts. This is an ideal holiday food recipe when you want something refined but not fussy. It’s also a wonderful tea party food, or centerpiece, that’s both stunning and delicious.

Ingredients

• 4 firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work best), peeled but left whole
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp Route 636 Assam Pekoe tea leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

 Instructions

1. In a pot, bring water, sugar, tea leaves, cinnamon, and star anise to a gentle simmer. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
2. Add the pears. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until tender when pierced with a knife. Turn pears occasionally for even coloring.
3. Remove the pears and strain the liquid to remove tea leaves and spices.
4. Return the liquid to the pot and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
5. Drizzle syrup over pears before serving. Serve warm or chilled.

Suggested Pairings

To complement your poached pears, consider these food and drink pairings:

• Light Desserts: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or honey-lavender ice cream. The creamy sweetness balances the bold tea-infused syrup, creating a harmonious bite.
• Cheese Plate: Pair with mild, creamy cheeses like mascarpone or brie, garnished with nuts or dried fruits. This enhances the pears' natural sweetness and the tea’s complexity.
• Beverages: Pour a glass of chilled dessert wine like Moscato or pair with a hot cup of Assam Pekoe tea from Route 636 for a seamless flavor experience.

These pairings highlight the dessert's elegance and its connection to sustainable, ethically grown tea—a perfect nod to eco-conscious choices.

A Sweet Note

While any loose black tea will do, an organic Assam like ours really is the best black tea for this dessert. This simple dessert really allows the sustainable, pesticide-free tea from Heritage Assam Tea to shine. We're so thankful to partner with a grower whose values align so well with ours. The dedication of the Baruah family, who upholds traditional and eco-friendly farming practices at Heritage Assam Tea, is reflected in every bite of this tea infused dessert. This is a sweet treat, to be sure, but it’s also a thoughtful choice for eco-minded individuals. 

Shop our Assam Pekoe, and the entire collection of direct sourced teas here: