Watermelon Popping Boba
If you’ve ever enjoyed the juicy pop of bubble tea or fruity dessert drinks, you’ll love making your own watermelon popping boba at home. These bite-sized spheres burst with vibrant flavor and are perfect for topping drinks, desserts, or enjoying on their own.
Equipment
- blender or immersion mixer
- sieve or fine mesh strainer
- two medium bowls
- spoon or squeeze bottle
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh watermelon juice (strained)
- 1–2 tbsp sugar or agave syrup
- ½ tsp sodium alginate
- 2 cups cold water
- 1 tsp calcium lactate or calcium chloride
Instructions
- Cut fresh watermelon into cubes, removing seeds. Blend until smooth, then strain through a fine sieve to remove pulp. Stir in sugar or sweetener until fully dissolved.
- Add sodium alginate to the watermelon juice. Whisk vigorously or use an immersion blender to fully dissolve. Let the mixture rest for 15–30 minutes to remove bubbles.
- Dissolve calcium lactate in cold water. Stir until fully mixed to prepare the calcium bath.
- Using a spoon or squeeze bottle, gently drop small droplets of the watermelon mixture into the calcium bath. Watch as the spheres form instantly. Let them sit in the bath for 30–60 seconds depending on desired gel thickness.
- Carefully remove the spheres using a slotted spoon. Rinse in cold water to stop the reaction. Use immediately or store in light syrup in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Notes
Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Use other smooth fruit juices like mango, strawberry, or lychee for variety. Best eaten fresh within 24 hours for optimal 'pop'.
Nutrition
Calories: 25kcalCarbohydrates: 6gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 6gVitamin A: 569IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.2mg
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