Winter Citrus and Chrysanthemum Tea Poached Pears
Elegant winter poached pears infused with bright citrus and delicate chrysanthemum tea, delivering a fragrant and soothing dessert. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers medium Bosc pears, peeled and cored, water, dried chrysanthemum flowers into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Bosc pears, peeled and cored
- 4 cups water
- 2 tbsp dried chrysanthemum flowers
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- 1 vanilla bean, split
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a gentle simmer and add 2 tbsp dried chrysanthemum flowers. Steep for 5 minutes off heat, then strain the tea back into the pan.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 whole cinnamon stick, and 1 split vanilla bean to the chrysanthemum tea. Stir and bring to a low simmer.
- Step 3: Add 4 peeled and cored Bosc pears standing upright in the liquid. Pour in 1/2 cup fresh orange juice. Simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, turning pears occasionally until tender and infused with the aromatic broth.
- Step 4: Remove pears carefully and continue to simmer the poaching liquid for another 10 minutes until slightly syrupy. Serve pears drizzled with the reduced syrup warm or chilled.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Winter Citrus and Chrysanthemum Tea Poached Pears take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Winter Citrus and Chrysanthemum Tea Poached Pears?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Winter Citrus and Chrysanthemum Tea Poached Pears?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Winter Citrus and Chrysanthemum Tea Poached Pears for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Winter Citrus and Chrysanthemum Tea Poached Pears?
French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
