Artificial Food Coloring Free Spiced Poached Pears in Pomegranate Juice
That deep ruby color you see pooling around these pears? It comes entirely from pomegranate juice, grape juice, and a handful of warming whole spices — no dyes, no artificial anything. For anyone navigating labels and trying to avoid synthetic colorants, this dessert is a genuine treat because the drama is all natural. Cinnamon sticks, star anise, fresh ginger, black peppercorns, and a strip of orange zest build a poaching liquid that smells incredible and tastes even better. The pears simmer low and slow until they're silky all the way through, then the liquid gets reduced into a glossy, spiced syrup that you spoon right over the top. Pomegranate arils and chopped pistachios finish things off with a little crunch and a pop of color that's just as vibrant and completely real. It's the kind of elegant, fuss-free dessert that looks like it came from a restaurant kitchen but comes together in a single saucepan on your stovetop.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 firm bosc or anjou pears
- 2 cups 100% pomegranate juice
- 1 cup 100% purple grape juice
- 1 cup water
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole star anise
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 whole black peppercorns
- 1 strip orange zest (about 3 inches), pith removed
For serving
- 2 tbsp pomegranate arils (optional)
- 2 tbsp dry-roasted pistachios, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Peel the pears, halve them lengthwise, and use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out the core and seeds. Leave the stems on if you prefer a more elegant presentation.
- 2
Combine the pomegranate juice, grape juice, water, honey, cinnamon sticks, star anise, ginger slices, peppercorns, and orange zest strip in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring once or twice until the honey dissolves, about 3–4 minutes.
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