Tapioca pearls are typically used as decorations for cakes and in various other desserts like Jello molds, pudding molds, and gelatin desserts. But they are also being used as an ingredient in savory dishes with the same consistency as gelatine or jello.
Do Tapioca Pearls Expire?
Tapioca pearls, also known as pearls of tapioca or pearl tapioca, are a type of food that is popular in certain Asian countries. The pearls are made from starch extracted from the roots of the cassava (also known as manioc) plant.
There is a misconception that they never expire and can be stored for long periods of time. This has led to many people stocking up on them thinking they will always have access to these pearls. The truth is that these pearls do eventually expire and will spoil in time due to natural processes.
What Is Tapioca Pearls?
Tapioca pearls are made from tapioca starch, which is derived from the cassava root. They are a type of starch granule used as a thickening agent in various recipes.
Tapioca pearls can be boiled to prepare for use in dishes like tapioca pudding.
These pearls are also often added to desserts such as taro custard, pineapple pudding, and red bean paste cakes.
Tapioca pearls are a popular option for boba tea drinkers. They are made from tapioca starch and have a chewy texture. The most common choice in flavors is black sesame, which is typically mixed with brown sugar, or green tea and matcha powder.
Do Cooked Tapioca Pearls Expire?
The answer is yes, they will. The pearl-like balls after cooking will become sticky, soggy, and slimy. While they are edible, the texture will not be desirable if it’s kept for too long either at room temperature or in the water.
How Long Do Tapioca Pearls Last?
When they are taken out of the packaging, they usually have a shelf life of 3 months. However, as time goes by, their shelf life decreases and it can only be up to 3-5 days after opening the package.
Tapioca pearls have a limited shelf life of approximately three days. The main reason for this is that they become lumpy and hard when exposed to high temperatures or humidity.
Can You Eat Expired Tapioca Pearls?
Tapioca pearls are a type of carbohydrate that is formed when tapioca starch is boiled in water. The tapioca starch can be produced by different sources, such as cassava root, sweet potato vines, or cassava roots.
It is true that you can eat expired tapioca pearls because they will be safe to eat after their expiration date. The expiration dates are usually determined by how much exposure there has been to air or light. Expiration dates are also dependent on the storage conditions of the pearls and the type of packaging used.
Expired tapioca pearls should not be eaten raw but can be cooked with other ingredients and used in various dishes like ice cream, pudding, pie filling, and soup stock.
How To Store Tapioca Pearls
When it comes to storing tapioca pearls, there are different ways depending on whether the package is open or not and if it’s cooked or uncooked.
Below are the different ways to store tapioca pearls.
Storing Uncooked Tapioca Pearls
Uncooked tapioca pearls are usually stored in a cool and dry place. If they are kept in an area with less than 18% humidity, the pearls will last for three months.
When you’re looking to keep your tapioca pearls fresh, there are a few simple rules you should follow. The most important one is to store them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture from seeping into the bag and molding your pearls before you can use them.
Most tapioca pearls can stay for up to three months in a cool and dry place like a pantry or cabinet but be sure that the humidity level does not drop below 18%.
Storing Cooked Tapioca Pearls
Tapioca can be stored for up to 5 days in an airtight container, but once stored it will lose its shape and simply become mushy. To prevent this, tapioca can be boiled again and then allowed to cool slowly so that it retains its shape while still being soft.
Conclusion
Like any other food, tapioca pearls do expire after a certain period of time. If it’s uncooked and the package is unopened, the pearls will last for a very long time. Once the package is opened, it will be exposed to air. This will cause them to go bad and not last very long.