How to preserve raw tapioca pearls

Tapioca pearls, commonly known as Boba, are sweet little balls that are added to drinks like bubble tea, milk tea, smoothies, and iced coffee.

Made from tapioca starch from the cassava root, tapioca pearls are like jelly balls that contain different flavors. The gummy texture and burst of flavor add a lot of fun to a drink, and you can get really fancy with the flavor pairings.

Tapioca pearls need to be cooked, but you can often buy them raw to make yourself at home. You must store them properly, or the tapioca pearls will lose their chewy texture and great taste.

How do you preserve raw tapioca pearls?

Raw tapioca pearls should be stored in a cool, dry place, in an airtight container. This allows them to retain their texture and flavor, and to cook into the gummy little balls they are known and loved for.

Here’s everything you need to know about storing raw tapioca pearls, so none of yours ever goes to waste!

Proper Storage of Raw Tapioca Pearls

Raw tapioca pearls are fairly easy to preserve, but you just need to follow the proper steps to ensure they are kept in a protected environment so they don’t lose any of their flavor and texture.

Most of the time, tapioca pearls are sold in sealed bags, and you can leave them unopened for storage, or if you do open them, you’ll need to put them in a new container.

Here’s how to properly store opened and unopened tapioca pearls:

unopened tapioca pearls

If you have not opened the raw tapioca pearls and they are still in their sealed packaging, you can store them as is.

You can put the unopened package in a resealable plastic bag for better protection, but it’s not necessary if the packaging is strong enough to protect the tapioca pearls until you cook them, and doesn’t let in air or moisture.

tapioca pearls open

To store opened uncooked tapioca pearls (or unopened pearls in poor quality packaging), you will need to transfer them to a suitable container or container, as follows:

1. Remove the tapioca pearls from the open container and place them in a new sealable container.
2. Seal the container tightly, and if you are placing it in an airtight plastic bag, remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it.
3. Write the can date on the top of the container or plastic bag so you know when to use the tapioca pearls.
4. Place the container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.

What is the best container for raw tapioca pearls?

When storing raw tapioca pearls, you should try to keep them in their original packaging, if it hasn’t been opened.

If the container has been opened, you should place the tapioca in an airtight container that can protect it from exposure to air and moisture. The best option for this would be a sealable plastic container.

Using a sealable plastic bag, you can squeeze any excess air out of the container before sealing it, so the tapioca pearls stay as protected as possible.

If you don’t have a sealable plastic bag, you can place the tapioca pearls in an airtight plastic container. Make sure it closes well and does not let air or moisture in.

Try to use a container that is just the right size, so that there is no excess air in the container.

Where to store tapioca pearls

Tapioca pearls should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.

Raw pearls will retain their flavor and texture if properly stored under these conditions, but if exposed to heat, air, or moisture, they will lose their high quality.

A kitchen cabinet or pantry would be the best option, especially if you live in a humid area.

Should I put raw tapioca pearls in the fridge?

No, you should not put raw tapioca pearls in the fridge when you are going to store them. The only time you should put your tapioca pearls in the fridge is if you bought them in the refrigerated section of the supermarket.

Placing raw tapioca pearls in the fridge could spoil them. They could absorb moisture from all the condensation in the fridge, which would ruin them before you can even cook them.

A cool, dry place, such as a kitchen cabinet, in an airtight container or plastic bag, is best for protecting them from moisture and air.

Can raw tapioca pearls be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze raw tapioca pearls, which isn’t surprising if you know you can freeze tapioca pudding .

This helps you keep them fresh for longer, especially if you don’t plan to use them before they lose their flavor and texture.

Here’s how to freeze raw tapioca pearls:

1. Arrange the tapioca pearls on a cookie sheet, spreading them out so they are not touching each other.
2. Cover the tray and tapioca pearls with plastic wrap.
3. Put the tray in the freezer and leave it for a few hours until the tapioca pearls have frozen.
4. Remove the tray from the freezer and place the tapioca pearls in a resealable plastic bag, squeezing the air out before closing it. You can also place the tapioca pearls in an airtight plastic container.

Freezing the tapioca pearls on the baking sheet first allows them to freeze separately before placing them together in a container.

By doing this, the pearls won’t freeze together, and you’ll be able to reach in and out as many as you want to cook without defrosting the whole pile.

Another option would be to place the raw tapioca pearls in a vacuum bag and seal it with a food preservation machine. This vacuum bag can be put in the freezer.

Tapioca pearls can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months. After this time, they can continue to be used, but their quality will begin to decline and they will lose flavor and texture.

How long do raw tapioca pearls keep?

The shelf life of raw tapioca pearls will depend on whether or not the container has been opened.

If left unopened, tapioca pearls can last for months in the cupboard. They are dehydrated and will remain dehydrated and protected from moisture and air if left in their original packaging.

Once opened, you should try to use any leftover tapioca pearls within 3 days. After that, their quality will start to decline and they won’t be as good when you cook them and add them to your favorite tea.

The tapioca pearls’ packaging will have an expiration date, so check it to know when you should use them.

If the package has an expiration date, it indicates the period in which the tapioca pearls have the best quality. After this date, they may still be edible, but their quality will decline.

How to know if tapioca pearls are spoiled?

If stored under the right conditions, raw tapioca pearls in their original packaging can last for months. However, after this time has elapsed, you may be nervous about whether or not the tapioca pearls have gone bad.

To be sure if the tapioca pearls have gone bad, you will need to open the container.

See if the dried tapioca pearls have lost any color. Also look for white patches of mold.

You can then smell the tapioca pearls to see if they have a bad odor. It’s another good sign that they’ve gone bad.

If you notice any discoloration or a bad odor, discard the tapioca pearls. It is not worth cooking them and spoiling them.

Related questions

Do I need to soak raw tapioca pearls before cooking?

No, you do not need to wash, rinse, or soak tapioca pearls before cooking.

The pearls have to go directly from the container into the boiling water. Keep in mind that dried or raw tapioca pearls absorb a lot of water, so you’ll need to use a lot of water when cooking them.

If you don’t use enough water, they’ll get starchy and sticky, which isn’t nice!

Can bubble tea be kept in the fridge?

Bubble tea can be kept in the fridge, but it doesn’t have a very long shelf life.

The tea will last 1-2 days in the fridge, but the pearls will only keep their excellent texture for up to 6 hours. After this time, they will break and be soaked.

Are tapioca pearls unhealthy?

Tapioca pearls contain a large amount of sugar and can be just as unhealthy as regular candies. They should be eaten in moderation, no matter how addicted you are to them!

The chewy, gummy pearls should be an occasional treat in your bubble tea, not consumed every day.

What is the difference between boba and tapioca pearls?

Boba and tapioca pearls are the same. Boba is the Chinese name for tapioca pearls. The most common type is the black Boba, to which brown sugar and caramel give their color.