Loquat Crumble Top Pies with Chai Tea

If you're looking for a unique and flavorful dessert that will impress your guests, look no further than these loquat crumble top pies infused with chai tea! With a buttery and crumbly topping and a chai-spiced fruit filling, these individual pies are a delicious twist on the classic crumble. And if you can't find loquats, fear not - this recipe works well with other fruits like apples, pears, or even peaches. So whether you're looking for a cozy dessert on a chilly night or a special treat for a dinner party, these loquat crumble top pies are sure to hit the spot. Give it a try today and delight in the sweet and spicy flavors of this one-of-a-kind dessert!

Loquat Crumble Top Pies with Chai Tea

If you're looking for a unique and flavorful dessert that will impress your guests, look no further than these loquat crumble top pies infused with chai tea!

I like to make my own crumbly paleo pastry which is free from dairy and gluten too. However, feel free to use your own pastry recipe or favorite shop bought pastry to save on time.

Here in Bermuda, spring time is loquat season. Ripe loquat, also known as Japanese plums, are yellow fruit that has a sweet taste, for me they taste of slight apple but with a citrusy hint.

What are Good Alternatives to Loquats?

There are lots of good loquat alternatives for this recipe so never fear if you do not have a loquat tree growing outside your home. You can swap for apples, pears, peaches, nectarines or apricots. Lots of fruits can be used to make this tasty fruity chai pie.

How can you Tell When a Loquat is Ripe?

You can easily tell when a loquat fruit is ripe. Loquats are perfectly ripe when they turn a beautiful orange colour, soft to the touch and pull off the stem easily when harvesting

Do you Have to Peel Loquats?

It’s not necessary to have to peel loquats, the skin and flesh of loquats are edible. However, the skin does easily peel off if you prefer it that way. Note that the seeds are most definitely not edible.

What are the Health Benefits of Loquats?

Loquats are known to have lots of health boosting benefits. Loquats have been used for centuries for their medicinal purposes. Loquats are high in antioxidants that keep us young and healthy. They are also low in calories and contain essential nutrients such as vitamin B6, magnesium and potassium.

Are Loquat Seeds Poisonous?

Both the seeds and the young leaves of loquat trees are slightly poisonous. Present in the seeds and leaves is cyanogenic glycosides which releases cyanide.

What Does a Loquat Taste Like?

A ripe loquat will have a sweet but slightly tart taste, they will be bright orange in colour and soft to touch. They remind me of a soft apple with a slight citrus taste. An unripe loquat will be sour and unpleasant.

Are Loquats and Kumquats the Same Thing?

Many people think that loquats are the same thing as kumquats, however they are different fruits. Loquats (also called Japanese plums) are in the same fruit family as apples and pears, the Rosaceae family. Kumquats are in the citrus fruit family, the Fortunella family.

Making Loquat Crumble Top Pies With Chai

INGREDIENTS (Serves 6)

For the Pastry - Optional

• 1.25 cups (120g) of almond flour

• 1/2 cup (65g) of arrowroot powder

• 1/4 cup (25g) of coconut flour

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons of palm shortening/butter

• 2 tablespoons of water

• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup/honey

• Pinch of salt

For the Loquat Filling

• 4-6 chai tea bags or 4-6 teaspoons of loose leaf tea

• 2 cups of chopped loquats

• 1/4 cup (8 tablespoons) of maple syrup

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder

For the Crumble Topping

• Save a 10th of the pastry dough

• 1/2 cup (65g) of chopped pecans

• 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/Gas Mark 4.

2. Combine the egg, water, maple syrup, palm shortening and pinch of salt in a food processor.

3. Next, add the almond flour, arrowroot powder and coconut flour. Mix for a minute or so until a soft dough has formed.

4. Next, roll the dough into a ball and cut a small piece off to reserve for the crumble topping later on. I like to cut off around a 10th of the dough.

5. Cut the remaining dough into 6 pieces.

6. Take a muffin or pie tray and firmly press in the dough. Use a small glass or tart tamper for ease. Set aside in the fridge to prepare the loquat filling.

7. Thoroughly wash the loquats, remove the seeds and chop into small pieces. No need to peel the loquats.

8. Steep the chai in 1/2 cup (4fl oz) of freshly boiled water and allow to steep for around 3-5 minutes.

9. Remove the tea bags or loose leaf tea and add the maple syrup.

10. Next add the prepared loquats, lemon juice and arrowroot powder.

11. Spoon the loquat filling into the pie dough, top with the chopped pecans, crumble over the remaining dough and sprinkle on the coconut sugar.

12. Place in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown in colour. Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

13. Serve with a dollop of cashew yogurt (I love Nush) or coconut whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

14. Always serve with a lovely cuppa! Enjoy :)

It is important to note that any health advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or overall health. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice.