Arrr. This be the black pearl

[pasithea]

Lately I've turned into an addict for pearl tea.

Recently I found the market two doors from my office has like 10lb bags of pearls for ~$5.

Tonight I make my own batch of pearl tea.

But this is a lot of pearls and I don't know how long they keep. Anyone else want some or feel up to taste-testing my experiment? I don't have proper straws.

Comments

[perlandria.livejournal.com]

This is my pinkie.
You are supposed to twist it.

[dv-girl.livejournal.com]

Results of first test:

Pearls were good but slightly chewy. Needed to cook them a little longer or with more water. Maybe both. Either way, still pretty decent.

Tea was my downfall. None of my tea is very fresh right now. Used Oolong. It was okay but a bit weak.

Used honey instead of sugar. I liked it, but Stacey wasn't a huge fan.

Needed more ice. Or mmmm. Crushed ice would have been even better.

All in all, for a first try it was pretty good and I have lots of cooked pearls left over in the fridge (and lots more dry uncooked pearls) Not nearly the best pearl tea I've ever had but quite drinkable. :)

Noticed on the bag of dry pearls that the bag makes approximately 100 servings. O_O I like pearl tea a lot but I definitely want to share so it doesn't expire. :) Want me to send some home with Jon next time he's over?

[centauress.livejournal.com]

All we need is a way to convince them to sink in alcohol and invite Ashy over.

[captpackrat.livejournal.com]

A quick Google search seems to indicate 6 months is the limit for storing uncooked soft tapioca pearls, but I think the hard pearls should last more or less indefinately if they're stored properly (i.e., air-tight container in a cool, dry place). I'd be more worried about bugs getting into it than spoilage (I once lost 10 pounds of glutinous rice due to maggots).

Pearl tapioca will lose it's thickening ability after being stored "longer than a few months" according to The Joy of Cooking, but that really only applies to puddings and such and shouldn't have any effect on making bubble tea.

You could always use the pearls to make tapioca pudding or custard. I have a recipe for coconut pearl tapioca pudding if you're interested. The dark pearls would make for an unusual color, though.

[harpygirl.livejournal.com]

... AKA Bubble tea, right?