Homemade Raspberry Popping Pearls
These juicy, burst-in-your-mouth raspberry popping pearls are the perfect fruity topping for bubble teas, yogurt bowls, desserts, and more. Made with real juice and fun to create at home with spherification!
Ingredients
- 1 cup raspberry juice or raspberry-flavored syrup preferably without pulp
- 1 gram sodium alginate for spherification
- 4 cups cold water for calcium bath
- 5 grams calcium lactate for setting the pearls
- optional citric acid to adjust tartness
- optional natural or artificial red coloring for vibrant color
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine raspberry juice with sodium alginate and blend well until fully dissolved. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to remove air bubbles.
- In another bowl, dissolve calcium lactate in 4 cups of cold water to create the calcium bath.
- Using a dropper or syringe, slowly drop the raspberry mixture into the calcium bath. Let pearls sit for 10–30 seconds to form.
- Gently remove the pearls with a slotted spoon and rinse them in clean cold water to stop the setting process.
- Serve immediately in drinks or desserts, or refrigerate in a sealed container with a bit of juice or water for up to 24–48 hours.
Notes
Homemade raspberry popping pearls are best enjoyed the same day, as their delicate skin may soften over time. Do not freeze. For more vibrant color, use food coloring, and to balance the sweetness, a pinch of citric acid can help. Great for topping off lemonades, iced teas, frozen yogurt, or smoothie bowls.