Food Pairings for Route 636 Tea Co. Single Origin Teas

A good tea and food pairing brings out the best in both. The best pairings can make even your go-to tea or food feel new and special. The art of pairing tea with food is similar to that of wine, where the goal is to create harmonious flavors that complement and enhance each other. A well-chosen tea can accentuate the subtle flavors of a dish, cleanse the palate between bites, and provide a sensory experience that is both comforting and sophisticated.

At Route 636 Tea Co., we believe that our carefully sourced, single-origin teas deserve to be enjoyed in ways that highlight their unique characteristics. Each of our teas is grown by dedicated small farmers who prioritize sustainable farming practices, ensuring that their tea not only tastes exceptional but also supports the environment and local communities. Our growers avoid chemical pesticides and use natural methods such as vermicompost, homemade compost, and natural manure to enrich their soils, and they maintain ethical practices that benefit their workers and surroundings.

Below we explore a pairings featuring three of Route 636 Tea Co.'s finest offerings: Assam Black, Vangedi Black, and Firewood Green teas. We provide multiple pairings for each tea and a recipe to try at home, allowing you to experience the full spectrum of flavors these exquisite teas have to offer. Whether you're a seasoned tea enthusiast or just beginning your journey, this guide will help you discover new ways to enjoy your favorite brews.

Assam Black Tea by Assam Heritage Tea

Flavor Profile: Bold, malty, and robust with a hint of sweetness.
Background: Grown using local vermicompost, this tea embodies the rich terroir (the characteristic taste and flavor imparted to a product by the environment in which it is produced) of Assam.

Pairings:

1. Grilled Vegetables: The strong flavor of Assam Black Tea pairs well with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
2. Spicy Vegetable Stew: The boldness of the tea complements spicy vegetable stews, such as a spicy ratatouille.
3. Dark Chocolate: Malty notes pair excellently with the rich flavors of organic dark chocolate.

Recipe: Assam Black Tea Marinated Grilled Vegetables

• 2 zucchini, sliced
• 1 eggplant, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tbsp Assam Black Tea leaves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Brew the tea leaves in 1/2 cup of hot water, strain, and cool.
2. In a bowl, mix the brewed tea, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the vegetables to the marinade and let sit for 30 minutes.
4. Grill the vegetables until tender and slightly charred.
5. Serve warm as a side dish or main course.

Vangedi Black Tea by Amba Estate

Flavor Profile: Smooth, floral, and slightly fruity.
Background: Sustainably grown with compost from the estate.

Pairings:

1. Citrus Salad: The floral notes complement a citrus salad with oranges, grapefruit, and a light vinaigrette.
2. Roasted Root Vegetables: A smooth black tea pairs well with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes.
3. Soft Cheeses: Enhance the fruity undertones with organic soft cheeses like brie or camembert.

Recipe: Vangedi Black Tea and Citrus Salad

• Mixed greens
• Orange segments
• Grapefruit segments
• Sliced almonds
• Soft organic cheese (optional)
• Vangedi Black Tea vinaigrette (brew a strong tea, mix with olive oil, vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt)

1. Combine salad ingredients in a bowl.
2. Whisk vinaigrette ingredients together.
3. Toss salad with vinaigrette and serve.

Smoky Green Tea by Assam Heritage Tea

Flavor Profile: Nutty, toasty, and slightly vegetal.
Background: Grown sustainably using local vermicompost.

Pairings:

1. Sushi: Complements the delicate flavors of sushi and sashimi.
2. Grilled Asparagus: Pairs well with the nutty and toasty flavors of grilled asparagus.
3. Vegetable Stir-fry: Enhances the natural flavors of fresh vegetables.

Recipe: Smoky Green Tea Rice

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp Firewood Green Tea leaves
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt to taste

1. Brew the tea leaves in water, strain.
2. Cook rice using the brewed tea as the liquid.
3. Once cooked, fluff rice and mix in sesame oil and salt.
4. Serve as a side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired meal.

And for Dessert

End your meal on a sweet note with these rich and indulgent Assam Black Tea Chocolate Truffles. The bold, malty flavor of the black tea by Assam Heritage Tea beautifully complements the deep, rich chocolate, making it a perfect dessert to pair with a cup of freshly brewed Assam Black Tea.

Assam Black Tea Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Assam Black Tea leaves
• 8 oz organic dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and add the Assam Black Tea leaves. Let steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain the cream to remove the tea leaves, and return the infused cream to the saucepan.
4. Add the finely chopped dark chocolate to the cream and let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and melted.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Let the mixture cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
7. Once firm, use a teaspoon to scoop out small amounts of the mixture and roll into balls.
8. Roll each truffle in unsweetened cocoa powder to coat.
9. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Check out these pairings and let the unique flavors of Route 636 Tea Co.'s single-origin teas shine in new and unexpected ways. Do you have any pairing suggestions? We'd love to hear from you. 

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