Transforming liquids into pops of flavours by using Juice Pearl Kit

Abstract

Bubble tea or pearl milk tea has become a part of modern food culture over the past decade. The original component of bubble teas is the black chewy pearls which have now evolved into various types of juice pearls so-called popping boba popular for its unique pop-in-the-mouth sensation once bitten. Juice pearls are produced based on a molecular gastronomy technique called spherification. This study aimed to develop an easy-to-use starter kit that consists of pre-mixed raw materials and a few basic pieces of equipment, that can be used for making instant popping juice pearls from any type of liquids samples such as soft drinks, milk, cordial, honey or fruit juice. Juice Pearl Kit is using a reverse spherification technique, where the liquid/beverage containing calcium is dropped into a water bath containing sodium alginate to form a liquid into small edible spheres or commonly named juice pearls. The application of reverse spherification is wider as it can be used with nearly any type of liquid. The developed Juice Pearl Kit consists of a syringe, bottle, forming trays, and pre-mixed spherification powders namely the AlgiBath and CalciGum. The preparation of juice pearls is divided into three steps, namely the preparation of AlgiBath solution and CalciGum solution, followed by the formation of the juice pearl. Juice pearls produced using Juice Pearl Kit are heat stable and show versatility in both iced and hot beverages. The developed production kit should provide a new alternative way for food processors in making unique and presentable foods and beverages, conveniently.