Tapioca also known as boba, pearls are starch balls extracted from cassava roots that originated from Southeast Asia. The popularity of tapioca pearls has now been growing across the world. They are usually 5-10 starch balls that may include the original black, flavored, popping, mini and clear.
You mix the tapioca pearls with water, sugar, and your favorite seasoning to get the desired color and texture. It’s also good to ensure that you keep the tapioca balls fresh and improve the flavor by soaking in a sugar syrup that also adds the sweetness.
So, can you eat tapioca pearls? Yes, you can. They are naturally gluten-free, which you can make into flour, and once you boil them, they become soft and easy to digest. They are usually black or sometimes white and are tasteless unless you add them to your pudding or soak them in sugar syrup.
Are Tapioca Pearls Bad For You?
No. Tapioca pears are pure starch that you can chew and eat raw though they are tasteless. Once you soak in a sugar syrup, the balls are then soft and easily digested and are good in boosting your energy.
However, they lack proteins and essential nutrients compared to other grains. You can therefore add your tapioca pearls to different dishes to get more nutrients. Improperly processed tapioca pearls can be dangerous for you. Cassava products are toxic and contain linamarin compounds that can cause cyanide poisoning once you eat them.
The symptoms can be severe and, in some cases, can cause death. Some people may also get allergies after eating tapioca pearls, and it can also be unhealthy for people with diabetic problems as it contains high carbohydrates.
What are the Health Benefits of Eating Tapioca Pearls?
Tapioca pearls are grains and gluten-free, which is healthy, especially for people with gluten-related medical issues. Also, they are a good alternative for corn-based products and even better when you mix with other flours like coconut and almond—adding it to other products help to increase the number of nutrients that you need.
Tapioca pearls contain resistant starch that helps to keep your gut healthy by reducing inflammation and harmful bacteria. Adding tapioca balls is also good for your metabolism and increasing your energy.
If you are trying to gain weight, tapioca pearls are your sure bet. A cup of tapioca pudding will provide you with sufficient calories with no cholesterol which will help you healthily gain weight.
Besides, a cup of tapioca pearls will provide you with calcium and irons to keep your teeth and muscles healthy. Consuming tapioca with food that has vitamin C will increase the amounts of iron your body requires. It also contains less sodium that can help prevent the risk of high blood pressure and heart diseases.
That said, what are the health benefits of tapioca pearls? Adding tapioca to your diet will help support weight gain and may keep your teeth and muscles healthy. Also, tapioca helps keep your gut healthy from harmful bacteria and inflammation, and it’s also a suitable replacement for wheat products.
What are the Ways You Can Use Tapioca Pearls?
You might have seen the tapioca pearls from Amazon or even your local store and wonder how you can use them. Not only are tapioca pearls delicious, but they are also healthy when you add to your recipes. Below are ways you can use your tapioca.
1. Thickening agent: You can add tapioca pearls for your sauces and soups as they contain a thickening power and a neutral flavor, which combines well with sauces and soups.
2. Pudding: You no longer have to make a boring pudding. The pearls of tapioca are perfect for puddings, desserts, and even snacks. You should also try bubble tea, which leaves you feeling happy and refreshed.
3. Baking recipes: You can add tapioca pearls with other flour like almond to make grain-free bread. Also, you can spice up your breakfast and dinner with tapioca pearls to make flatbread. You can never go wrong to add your favorite toppings to your flatbread.
4. Binding agent: Nothing tastes bad like a loaf of soggy bread. Tapioca bread helps to improve your dough texture and trap moisture which prevents sogginess. You can therefore add it to your burgers, pizza, and nuggets.
How Do You Store Tapioca Pearls?
Tapioca pearls add a chewy texture and flavor to your sauces, soups, and drinks such as iced tea, smoothies, and even bubble tea. Therefore, it is good to ensure that you store them properly to stay fresh and not lose their flavor.
Cooked tapioca pearls should be left at room temperature for 2-4 hours. You can also refrigerate for 36 hours in a simple syrup which will help to keep them fresh.
Uncooked tapioca pearls are usually the store purchased that are in sealed packages. You can keep them in your pantry area for months and will still be fresh.
For leftovers of the uncooked pearls, ensure that you remove all the excess air from the plastic bag and then store them in the same condition for at least 2-3 days.
For best result and flavor, ensure that you use your cooked tapioca pearls few hours after cooking and at least 2-3 days for uncooked leftovers.
Final Thoughts
- Tapioca pearls, also known as boba, are starch balls extracted from cassava roots discovered from Southeast Asia. They are naturally grain and gluten-free.
- Tapioca pearls are not bad for you. They are pure starch and help boost your energy. However, improper tapioca pearls can cause cyanide poisoning and may cause allergies for some people.
- Adding tapioca to your diet will help support weight gain, keep your teeth and muscles strong, and help keep your gut healthy from harmful bacteria and inflammation.
- There are different ways that you can use your tapioca pearls. You can use in baking to make bread, pudding as thickening agents, and binding agents.
- It is good to store your cooked and uncooked tapioca pearls so they stay fresh and do not lose their texture and flavor. You can keep raw tapioca in a cool, dry place like your pantry or the refrigerator.