Food trends come in various forms, with some taking root deeply, others being short-lived, some considered downright silly, and others purely fun. One trend that falls under the “just plain fun” category is the emergence of pearl-shaped foods that provide a popping sensation in the mouth.
These tiny, spherical foods have become prevalent, amusingly popping in one’s mouth and often resulting in a delightful transformation of familiar tastes. They form part of the broader “bubble moment,” reflecting broader aesthetic trends seen in fashion with the bubble hem and in decor emphasizing soft, rounded shapes.
Among these pearl-shaped foods, we have long-standing staples, alongside those that are either new or rediscovered.
**Naturally Sourced Delights**
Some pearl-shaped foods have been longtime favorites, with caviar being perhaps the quintessential example. Different fish eggs offer varied textures and flavor profiles that “pop” in unique ways. Traditionally paired with blinis, toast points, and potato pancakes, fish roe is also a delightful addition to eggs, shellfish, and pasta dishes.
Contrary to common belief, not all caviar carries a high price tag. For instance, Tsar Nicoulai, a California-based company, sells gold pearl trout roe for roughly $14 per ounce, featuring a bright orange hue, firm texture, and a silky pop. Their Estate Malossol Caviar, priced at about $100 per ounce, has a softer texture, brownish-black color, and a buttery, earthy taste.
**A Novel Citrus: Finger Lime**
Another unique, naturally pearl-shaped product is the finger lime, which resembles a small, finger-sized lime. Inside, it contains delightful little pearls filled with tart lime juice, adding a great crunch and zing to dishes such as oysters or scallop ceviche. The peel can vary in color from green and burgundy to dull orange, while the pearls inside range from green to red or pale peach.
To extract these pearls, simply slice the finger lime in half and squeeze; fresh ones should easily divulge their contents. These are available at specialty shops or online.
**The Global Phenomenon: Boba Tea**
Boba, or bubble tea, emerged in the 1980s in Taiwan and has since achieved worldwide popularity. Boba pearls, generally made from tapioca starch and water, have a chewy and bouncy texture. Though typically found in sweet cold teas, they also feature in diverse culinary creations. Additionally, popping boba varieties are engineered to burst when bitten.
This tea is often sweet, creamy, and served frothy, with a thick straw designed to allow customers to sip the tea while simultaneously chewing on the boba pearls. Available in coffee shops and specialty stores, boba pearls can also be purchased for home preparation, complete with flavor options like Lychee Popping Boba and Brown Sugar Boba. Readily drinkable canned boba tea and bubble tea kits are also available.
**Innovative Spherification Techniques**
For years, there has been emphasis on spherified foods—liquids encased in gelled membranes turning them into poppable orbs. A personal favorite includes balsamic and other vinegar pearls. De Nigris offers an Italian line of balsamic vinegar pearls with flavors like truffle and orange. Messino produces balsamic, lemon, and pomegranate pearls, while Tartuflanghe provides truffle, anchovy, and pesto varieties.
Vanilla, coffee, and cocoa pearls from Prova cater to pastry chefs. These appealing orbs can embellish crostini, salads, and cheeses or add zest to oysters and grilled fish when lemon-flavored. Pomegranate pearls complement yogurt, tarts, and cocktails, similar to natural pomegranate arils.
Spherification, officially termed reverse spherification, originated in the 1940s and became popularized by chef Ferran Adrià in the 2000s at Spain’s El Bulli. Chefs like Wylie Dufresne have furthered its culinary journey.
**Expanding Applications for Spherification**
Some establishments create their own spherified dishes, spanning items from ravioli to melons. Olive enthusiasts might enjoy spherified olives at Jose Andres’ Mercado Little Spain in New York City.
BelGioioso offers small mozzarella pearls, weighing around 2.5 grams each, ideal for pasta salads and antipasti platters, and they melt seamlessly into ziti or baked pastas.
**Sweet Pearls for Easter**
For sweet treats, consider translucent, hard-candy rabbits filled with candy pearls, courtesy of Pure Sugar. Though it may require some resolve to break them, the pearls can be coaxed from the bottom if one prefers not to smash them open.
